Libyan and NATO officials sign agreement to partially lift no-fly zone

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech this afternoon was the witness at the signing of an agreement made between Libyan and NATO officials to lift the no-fly zone over parts of Libyan initially put into force by the Security Council in March 2011.

“During this historic event, we will be turning over some of the airspace back to Libya by signing this agreement. In February, the Libyans had a small taste of freedom that many of us have experienced all our lives and taken for granted,” said Lt. General Ralph J Jodice on behalf of NATO.

Officials said this was the second special coordination meeting held following the first meeting in Cairo to draft the agreement signed this afternoon.

“The meeting held at such short-notice held proves that everyone is concerned and willing to assist Libya. NATO has been cooperative and active in the support provided,” said one official.

The NTC Transport Minister Anwar El Feitori expressed gratitude prior to signing the agreement for the constant protection given by NATO and said it will always be remembered, but added that there was "urgent need for amendments to made to the agreement to lift the more areas of the no-fly zone to access places like Misrata to transfer and transport casualties”. 

Jodice was proud that the international community had come together and acted to improve the situation of suppression and killings committed by the Libyan government.

“This is a positive milestone since we are returning partial airspace to its rightful owners,” Jodice said. On 23 March 2011, UN Security Council resolution 1973 was adopted and enforced which resulted in “a stand-up in government structure”.

Amongst other positive results discussed by Jodice, Libya’s security and control of property is in the process of being returned to the Libyan people as a result.

El Feitori also said with the assistance received by Libya, the people will soon start going back to normal live.

After signing the agreement, Jodice said that was “hard to say how long it will take [for the war in Libya to end], but while Libya is still under threat, NATO will continue to help and stay as long as it takes but we will not stay any longer than necessary”.