PM welcomes NATO Secretary General to Number 10
Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Number 10.
Speaking at the start of their meeting, the PM said talks would be wide ranging as well as discussing NATO operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
On Libya, Mr Cameron praised NATO forces who are doing an excellent job with our allies keeping the pressure up. The PM said ”time was running out” for the Qadhafi.
…pressure is building militarily, diplomatically, politically and economically on Qadhafi who is running out of time, running out of friends.
Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said
The Prime Minister and Mr Rasmussen discussed the current challenges facing NATO. Mr. Rasmussen welcomed the United Kingdom’s strong commitment and contribution to the Alliance. They agreed on the need to strengthen NATO’s ability to respond flexibly to changing priorities and they discussed the benefits of countries working together to develop their defence capabilities in an efficient way.
They also discussed the situation in Libya and the success of NATO’s operation to implement UNSCR 1973 and to protect civilians. They noted that NATO had significantly degraded Qadhafi’s military ability and they committed to maintaining the operation until the Libyan people are free to determine their own future. They agreed that NATO should continue to ramp up the pressure on Qadhafi.
On Afghanistan, they discussed President Karzai and NATO’s plan for transition and agreed that Afghan Security Forces are increasingly capable of providing security in their country.