NATO Delays Libya Command Takeover to Thursday

NATO is delaying its takeover of all military operations in Libya by 24 hours to Thursday, an alliance diplomat said on Tuesday.

The 28-nation military organisation agreed on Sunday to take command of the US-led campaign, and US President Barack Obama said the transfer would be completed on Wednesday.

But the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said an extra day was needed for a smooth transition from US to Nato command.

The delay is also necessary because contributions from some allies could depend on the outcome of an international conference on Libya taking place on Tuesday, the diplomat said.

'Nato will effectively take over command of Libyan operations on Thursday at 0600 GMT,' the diplomat said.