Nato says Libya mission will continue

Nato will continue its mission in Libya as long as any threat remains to the population from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, says the head of the western alliance.

Nato’s Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters in Lisbon that after the threat had gone, the alliance’s role would be a supporting one.  

“Nato and our partners will continue the mission as long as the threat remains, but not a minute longer,” he said after meeting Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Portas.  

“Gaddafi and the remains of his machine must realise that there is nothing to be gained from more fighting.”  

Earlier on Thursday, the former Libyan leader vowed to defeat the National Transitional Council (NTC) that controls most of the country in a phone call aired by a Syrian television station.  

Rasmussen also said NATO’s mission in Libya had prevented a massacre.  

“We have prevented a massacre of the Libyan people, we saved numerous lives and it is now for the NTC and the Libyan people to shape a future for the country and ensure a peaceful transition to democracy,” he said.  

“Our operation in Libya has been a great success, we have operated on a UN mandate with the aim to protect civilians.”

Also, Rasmussen said Gaddafi and his loyalists should stop trying to cling to power by force.

During a visit to Lisbon, Rasmussen said: "Gaddafi and the remains of his regime must realise there's nothing to be gained by more fighting."

He said, "Libya is turning a new page."

He said the military alliance would not stand down while a threat to Libyan civilians remains.

He described Nato's operations in Libya as "a great success" and says the alliance has no confirmed information about possible civilian casualties.

Rasmussen says the United Nations will take the lead in helping Libya's peaceful transition to democracy.