Via Facebook: NATO Commander reveals plans to end Libya mission
United States Navy admiral James Stavridis used his Facebook account to tell the world his intent to the war in Libya. You may be asking yourself why this is such a big deal. Stavridis happens to be the current Commander, US European Command (USEUCOM) and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
Here's his Wall post:
An extraordinary 24 hours in Libya. As SACEUR, I will be recommending conclusion of this mission to the North Atlantic Council of NATO in a few hours. A good day for NATO. A great day for the people of Libya.
The North Atlantic Council still has to formally vote to end the conflict, but Stavridis' recommendation will easily tip the scale, as Wired points out. The crazy thing is that if you are one of the 7,000 Facebook users who Like the admiral's Page, you learned of his intent to end the war before many NATO officials did.
It's important not to blow this announcement out of proportion though. As you can see in the video above and press release below, the NATO Secretary General already said yesterday that the United Nations and the National Transitional Council would terminate the mission:
After 42 years, Colonel Qadhafi's rule of fear has finally come to an end. Libya can draw a line under a long dark chapter in its history and turn over a new page. Now the people of Libya can truly decide their own future.
I call on all Libyans to put aside their differences and work together to build a brighter future.
I urge the National Transitional Council to prevent any reprisals against civilians and to show restraint in dealing with defeated pro-Qadhafi forces.
NATO and our partners have successfully implemented the historic mandate of the United Nations to protect the people of Libya. We will terminate our mission in coordination with the United Nations and the National Transitional Council. With the reported fall of Bani Walid and Sirte, that moment has now moved much closer.
Still, Stavridis made a point to reveal his plans on Facebook, as opposed to say, his NATO blog. I bet Facebook employees are feeling especially happy today.
See also:
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