- Title: SPAIN: Two airbases allocated for NATO operation in Libya
- Date: 18th March 2011
- Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (MARCH 18, 2011) (REUTERS) **CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY** UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON'S MOTORCADE ARRIVING AT SPANISH PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE BAN GETTING OUT OF CAR AND GREETING SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO BAN AND ZAPATERO SHAKING HANDS AND ENTERING ZAPATERO'S OFFICE BAN AND ZAPATERO ENTERING VARIOUS OF BAN AND ZAPATERO IN MEETING BAN AND ZAPATERO COMING OUTSIDE FOR NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, SAYING: "I have requested approval from the Spanish Congress for the role that our armed forces are to play in this operation. I have also authorised the participation of naval and aerial means from our armed forces in this procedure in order to ensure effective compliance with the U.N. resolution. I have also authorised, in accordance with the law, the use of Spanish bases by the United States forces that might need them for this same purpose." BAN LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SPANISH PRIME MINISTER JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO, SAYING: "The international community will not be tricked by the Libyan regime. The international community will, by all means, verify strict compliance with the resolution and that is what we will discuss tomorrow at the Paris meeting which will encourage NATO and all countries that, as U.N. members, they must make this resolution effective." BAN AND ZAPATERO IN NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON, SAYING: "Tomorrow, as announced by President Zapatero, I will travel to Paris and meet President Sarkozy of France and other European, Arab and African leaders. We will discuss ways to move forward to protect the people of Libya in accordance with this resolution." JOURNALISTS
- Embargoed: 2nd April 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Spain, Spain
- Country: Spain
- Topics: War / Fighting
- Reuters ID: LVABVHEWBFVI1RH660L9MOXG412W
- Story Text: The Spanish government on Friday (March 18) offered NATO two military bases to use in enforcing the no-fly zone over Libya, in accordance with a resolution approved by the United Nations on Thursday.
"I have requested approval from the Spanish Congress for the role that our armed forces are to play in this operation. I have also authorised the participation of naval and aerial means from our armed forces in this procedure in order to ensure effective compliance with the U.N. resolution. I have also authorised, in accordance with the law, the use of Spanish bases by the United States forces that might need them for this same purpose," Zapatero said during a joint news conference with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Madrid.
Asked about his reaction to Libya's decision to declare a unilateral cease-fire, in the wake of the UN resolution, Zapatero said: "The international community will not be be tricked by the Libyan regime. The international community will, by all means, verify strict compliance with the resolution and that is what we will discuss tomorrow at the Paris meeting which will encourage NATO and all countries that, as U.N. members, they must make this resolution effective."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon supported Zapatero's statement and urged Libya to stop its attacks against civilians.
"It is again absolutely necessary for Libyan authorities to immediately cease all hostilities against civilian population. Armed attacks against unarmed civilians and peaceful civilians is a violation of international humanitarian and human rights," he said.
The military bases made available by Spain are located in Andalusia. According to El Pais newspaper, Spain will be ready to deploy four - six fighter jets with 150 troops.
Zapatero still needs approval from the Spanish congress for the deployment of national troops. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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