U.N. Ends NATO Libya Mandate

NATO’s mission in Libya is coming to an end. The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to end military operations in Libya on Monday. The vote effectively ends the NATO air campaign begun in March with the U.N. resolution authorizing the use of “all necessary measures” to protect civilians. The U.N. might have more work to do in Libya, however: the Security Council expressed concern about the proliferation of weapons in Libya and said it would address the issue in the future. The resolution also expressed “grave concern” about reports of reprisals and extrajudicial executions. Last week U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the Libyan National Transitional Council wanted NATO to remain until it could establish a stable government, but a Libyan diplomat told the Security Council it was looking forward to the end of the operation.