[L]et me express my… my grave concerns about the security situation in Libya. And I… I urge all parties to… to refrain from violence and engage in a constructive, national, political dialogue leading to free and fair elections based on a new constitution to ensure fully-fledged legitimacy of the future government of Libya.
You asked me if NATO stands ready to offer assistance to… to Libya. Actually, last year we received a request from the Libyan authorities, a request for NATO assistance to help develop their security sector. We responded positively.
Unfortunately, we have had some difficulties in engaging with the Libyan authorities, also because of instability and lack of security in Libya. But once the Libyan authorities are ready to engage with us in a way that also ensures a safe environment for our assistance, we are ready to assist Libya to develop their security sector, as requested.
Excerpt from press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, May 19, 2014.
Image: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, April 1, 2014 (photo: NATO)