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2011-03-19

18/03 - Belgium offers jets for intervention in Libya.

On Friday March 18th, Belgium offered to deploy F-16 fighter jets and warships for a military intervention in Libya, either as part of a coalition of the willing or under NATO's umbrella. Prime Minister Yves Leterme told a parliament committee that the government decided to take part in the military action after the UN Security Council approved it late Thursday. The precise definition of this participation will be decided in the next few hours. Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere said the UN resolution left the door open to an intervention by an organisation or individual governments, although Brussels, home of NATO headquarters, would prefer an alliance mission. "Given our tradition, we will favour efforts within NATO but we do not rule out the other path, which consists of working with (UN) members that would be united in a coalition of the willing," according to Vanackere. Defence Minister Pieter De Crem said Belgium had six F-16 fighter jets and an anti-mine ship committed to the NATO Reaction Force. He noted Belgiuthat m also has frigates and seven other F-16 warplanes taking part in exercises in Greece. Source: Expatica