On February 14, the Atlantic Council’s International Security Program hosted a Commanders Series public address and discussion with General Charles Bouchard, commander of the NATO military mission in Libya.

Fred Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council provided an introduction and welcome to the session, and Barry Pavel, director of the Council’s International Security Program, moderated the discussion. 

General Charles Bouchard commented on his role as commander of NATO’s military operations in Libya, the role of partners within and outside of NATO, and the prospects for future international cooperation. The General addressed challenges faced by coalition forces, including the enforcement of UN Security Council Resolution 1973’s mandate of protecting Libyan citizens without violating the arms embargo or ground intervention prohibited by Resolution 1970. When asked to comment on prospects of NATO cooperation in the future, General Bouchard stressed the importance of considering domestic circumstances and role-sharing among NATO and regional partners. 

Prior to assuming the role of commander, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Unified Protector on March 25, 2011, General Bouchard was appointed deputy commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples, in October 2009. A tactical helicopter pilot by trade, General Bouchard’s extensive career in the Royal Canadian Air Force has included time as deputy commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, as well as commander 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian North American Aerospace Defence Region, and Combined Forces Air Component commander, where he was responsible for all Canadian Air Force operations. 

TRANSCRIPT

VIDEO (C-SPAN)

AUDIO (.mp3)

The Commanders Series is generously sponsored by Saab North America.

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