From Elise Labott and Paula Newton, CNN
NATO to take over Libya operations
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Deal came after talks involving Britain, France, Turkey and the United States
- NATO is drafting rules of engagement for the mission
- Earliest handover of command from United States would be Sunday
(CNN) — A deal in principle has been reached for NATO to take command of the military mission in Libya in coming days, two diplomatic officials told CNN on Thursday.
The deal was reached after a conference call between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her counterparts from Britain, France and Turkey, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of not being identified by name.
NATO sources said that a major sticking point involves the rules of engagement for coalition forces that will take over command of enforcing a no-fly zone and naval blockade of Libya.
The rules of engagement will be drafted in coming days, the NATO sources said, adding that the process would take 48 hours. That means the earliest date for the United States to hand over control of the mission to NATO would be Sunday, according to the sources.
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Sources say NATO has reached agreement on running Libya mission