创新英语-NATO Rules Out Libya No-Fly Zone, for Now

（单词翻译）

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has ruled out implementing¹ a no-fly zone across parts or all of Libya. Speaking at a Brussels press conference, he told reporters a U.N. resolution would be needed to make a no-fly zone a legal course of action. However, he did suggest that air strikes and a no-fly zone could happen in the future. He said he could not imagine the international community would "stand idly by" if Colonel Gaddafi continued attacking innocent civilians². NATO military leaders have said a no-fly zone could be up and running in two to three days. The German foreign minister said: "One thing for the German government is absolutely clear. We do not want to get sucked into a war in North Africa.”

Rasmussen set out three conditions for NATO intervention³: "Firstly, there has to be a demonstrable need for NATO action. Secondly⁴, there has to be a clear legal basis. And thirdly, there has to be firm regional support," he said. The 22-member Arab League meets on Saturday to discuss the situation in Libya. If they recognize the rebel Libya National Council (LNC) as the legitimate⁵ representative of Libya's people, this may bring a no-fly zone a step closer. The French government has already said it only recognizes the LNC as Libya’s representative and has invited the group to establish a diplomatic presence in Paris. Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister said this was illegal and warned Libya would “break diplomatic relations with France”.