NATO Poised to End Libya Mission October 31

NATO plans to end its seven-month air and sea mission in Libya on October 31, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Friday.

"Our operations are close to completion," Rasmussen said after lengthy talks with ambassadors from the 28-member alliance. There is "a preliminary agreement on the 31st of October."

Speaking after talks that continued four hours longer than expected, Rasmussen told a news conference that a formal decision to wind up the Libya campaign would be taken next week.

"In the meantime I will consult closely with the United Nations and National Transitional Council," he said, adding that NATO would in the interim "monitor the situation and maintain the capacity to respond to threats to civilians if needed."