The UN Security Council decision to end the mandate for international military action in Libya shows the country has entered a “new era”, according to British Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Mr Hague warned, however, that after the controversial killing of ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi by interim regime forces last week it was “vital” for Libya’s new rulers to respect human rights.
“UN Security Council Resolution 2016 agreed today is another significant milestone towards a peaceful, democratic future for Libya,” Mr Hague said in a statement.
“Ending the no-fly zone and the civilian protection provisions demonstrates that Libya has entered a new era.”
Britain led efforts to secure the original resolution for the no-fly zone and along with France and the US led Nato efforts in support of anti-Gaddafi forces. In the wake of Col Gaddafi’s death, Mr Hague said Libya’s National Transitional Council (NTC) has “a duty to uphold human rights and must prevent reprisals and revenge attacks”.
Mr Hague, who visited Tripoli last week for talks with the NTC, added: “We now look forward to the creation of an inclusive, representative transitional government in Libya and to a new era in UK-Libya relations.
“Libya has a historic opportunity to create a state where human rights are protected and all people enjoy fundamental freedoms. This would be a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for future generations.”
Nato’s seven-month mission
In its seven-month mission, Nato deployed more than 200 aircraft over Libya and some 20 ships off the coast, obliterating Muammar Gaddafi’s military and paving the way for his ouster.
Air operations
A total of 18 nations participated in Operation Unified Protector. But only eight of Nato’s 28 member states conducted air strikes: the United States, France, Britain, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Denmark and Norway.
Two Arab states, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, also flew bombing missions alongside Nato aircraft. More than 26,000 sorties were flown over Libya, including some 9,700 offensive missions.
Nearly 6,000 targets were bombed, including 1,600 military facilities, bases and bunkers; 1,270 ammunition storage facilities; 690 surface-to-air missile and radar systems and storage sites; 600 tanks and armoured vehicles; and 405 artillery pieces and rocket launchers.
Arms embargo
Between a dozen and 20 ships were deployed off the coast of Libya to prevent arms from entering the country by sea. More than 3,100 vessels were hailed while Nato boarded 296 ships. Only 11 were prevented from reaching port.
The cost
The cost for the US, which provided the bulk of air refuelling tankers and aerial reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, is estimated at $1.1 billion. British planes flew more than 3,000 missions, representing a fifth of total Nato operations. Britain’s cost is estimated at €344 million – €184 million for operations and €160 million for weapons.
The British operation involved 1,200 service personnel, including 90 soldiers, mostly special forces and advisers, 350 from the Royal Navy and 700 from the Royal Air Force.
France deployed fighter jets, a squadron of helicopters and its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The mission cost Paris €300 million.