LOC15:10
12:10 GMT
BRUSSELS, Sept 22 (KUNA) - The commander of NATO's Operation Unified
Protector in Libya, Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard, said Thursday that the
majority of Libya is under the control of the forces of the Transitional
National Council and he called on the remaining Gaddai loyalists to surrender.
"We are now at a point where I can only urge regime forces to surrender and
to find a peaceful settlement, but if they don't then we will take all
necessary means to bring the conflict to an end," he told a news conference in
Brussels speaking through a video link from his headquarters in Naples, Italy .
He said that the Gaddafi regime still controls three areas in Sirte, Bani
Walid and the southern area of Sabha.
"Threat from the regime continues Their forces are still dangerous and
violence against the population continues," he warned.
The NATO general said he has no information about Gaddafi's whereabouts but
noted that he continues to give messages and orders to incite his forces.
"We can complete the mission as provided by NATO," he said referring to the
decision b, NATO's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, on
Wednesday to extend the mission for another 90 days.
The NATO operation in Libya which began on 31 March would have expired on
27 September..
Bouchard added that the North Atlantic Council will decide over the future
mission of NATO in Libya once "our objective is accomplished." (end)
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