NATO to help Libyan security if requested: Deputy chief

The NATO deputy secretary general says the military alliance is ready to help the new UN-sponsored Libyan government in building up security institutions if requested.

“The progress towards the consolidation of this new government of national unity in Libya is encouraging and we stand ready to assist the government if it requests,” Alexander Vershbow said on Saturday.

Vershbow’s remarks came as the European Union is expected to consider moving security personnel into Libya to help stabilize the crisis-stricken country.

EU foreign and defense ministers are expected to agree in a Monday meeting in Luxembourg to look into police and border training missions for Libya, initially in Tripoli, where the new government is trying to establish itself.

“Two years ago we were very close to implementing a program to assist the government at that time in Libya ... to develop and reform its defense institutions,” Vershbow told reporters at the Globsec security conference in Bratislava.

“If this new government requests NATO assistance in the same area, we stand ready to help them out,” he added.

Diplomats said there had yet to be a detailed discussion with the new unity government in defining what kind of assistance they wanted from the EU and that the bloc is keen to avoid the impression of moving into North African state uninvited.

“It is a delicate balance,” said one senior EU official involved in the plans. “We need to prepare to help Libya, but we cannot jump the gun.”

Libyan officials with the new unity government were not immediately available for comment on the development.

SS