Obama says to transfer command of Libya mission to NATO Wednesday
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Xinhua, March 29, 2011
President Barack Obama on Monday said the United States will transfer the full command of the Libya mission to NATO on Wednesday, but will continue to provide assistance to the coalition.
In a keynote speech to explain his administration's policies toward Libya, Obama said NATO had taken command of the enforcement of the arms embargo and No-Fly Zone, and the alliance decided to take on the additional responsibility of protecting Libyan civilians on Sunday night.
"This transfer from the United States to NATO will take place on Wednesday," said Obama, adding that the United States "will play a supporting role -- including intelligence, logistical support, search and rescue assistance, and capabilities to jam regime communications."
He said in addition to NATO responsibilities, the United States will work with the international community to provide assistance to the Libyan people, and will safeguard the frozen Libyan assets worth more than 33 billion U.S. dollars, to "make sure" the Libyan people receive it.
