Western Europe

Italy threatens to take back its bases unless NATO is in command

By AGI

From AGI:  [Foreign] Minister Franco Frattini has said Italy will take back its bases if NATO does not assume command of operations in Libya.

Turkey Blocks NATO Mission in Libya

By Spiegel

Turkey criticises France’s role in Libya intervention

By Reuters

Diplomat claims France is the only ally “opposed to a unified command under NATO. It is completely isolated.”

By AFP

From AFP:  A push by several allies for NATO to take over operations in Libya ran into resistance from France on Monday, as the alliance remained on the sidelines of the international campaign.

NATO agreement on Libya arms embargo, but not on enforcing no-fly zone

By David Brunnstrom, Reuters

From David Brunnstrom, Reuters:  NATO ambassadors approved an operations plan for the alliance to help enforce a U.N. arms embargo on Libya on Sunday, a NATO statement said. A NATO official said more discussion was needed on another plan for possible NATO involvement in enforcing a U.N. no-fly zone over Libya. Alliance member Turkey, which […]

Westerwelle denies Germany isolated over Libya

By Reuters

From Reuters:  German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle dismissed allegations on Sunday that Berlin was internationally isolated after refusing to join its NATO allies in staging military strikes on Libya.

NATO divided over direct role in Libya

By Angela Charlton, the AP

From Angela Charlton, the AP:  NATO is divided over whether it should take a leading role or just provide support to air forces already engaged in the mission. In Brussels, NATO’s top decision-making body appeared poised to decide on Sunday "if and how the alliance will join" the effort, said Martin Povejsil, the Czech Republic’s […]

British jets attack Libyan targets

By the Press Association

From the Press Association:  RAF Tornado jets have joined in the operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya as the international community swung into action against Muammar Gaddafi. The Military of Defence confirmed Stormshadow missiles were launched from Tornado GR4 fast jets, which flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham in Norfolk and back. As […]

Diplomat: France blocked any NATO agreement on airstrikes until the Paris meeting

By Steven Erlanger and David D. Kirkpatrick, the New York Times

From Steven Erlanger and David D. Kirkpatrick, the New York Times:  Even though the leaders at the Paris summit meeting were united in supporting military action, there were signs of disagreement over how it would proceed.

Coalition command of Libya operation

By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

From Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service:  Operation Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney.