One of Nato’s top commanders said on Tuesday the alliance has sufficient means to conduct its Libya campaign but warned that the issue of resources “will become critical” if the conflict dragged on.
“At this stage the forces engaged do have the means necessary to conduct the operations. If additional sources are needed this of course will need a political decision,” supreme allied commander of transformations, french general Stephane Abrial said.
“If the operation was to last longer, of course the resource issue will become critical,” he warned at a Nato meeting in Belgrade.
Last week US defence secretary Robert Gates issued a stinging rebuke to Nato allies as only eight of Nato's 28 members are conducting air strikes against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
Abrial told delegates that the financial crisis had caused trouble for many Nato members and made adjustments necessary.
“The Libya crisis came as a surprise but we are facing it and we are conducting this operation with all the means available and the best way we can,” Abrial said.
“We are confident that this operation will be successful,” he added.