US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Gorden denied that a military operation against Libya was pending. Gordon, currently in Greece, noted that extra US naval assets were ordered to the Mediterranean Sea in order to deal whatever contingencies arise. “We’re simply preparing for what may be unforeseen circumstances,” Gordon said speaking to Greek reporters in Athens.
Moreover, he was succinct in referring to Washington’s position vis-à-vis the turmoil in Libya and clashes between pro- and anti-government forces, stressing that “this regime is going to go, so there’s no reason to perpetuate this violence.”
Queried on the possibility of the United States recognising a provisional or transitional government in eastern Libya, Gordon merely noted that Washington is studying its options.
He praised Athens efforts to evacuate thousands of third country nationals to Greece from eastern Libya and said “Greece has been a very helpful partner.” (Athens news Agency)
|
|
Piling up the US Fleet in MediterraneanTwo US amphibious assault ships steamed through the Suez canal and into the Mediterranean today, purportedly to provide emergency evacuation and relief capability in light of the unrest in Libya. The USS Kearsarge and the USS Ponce joined the USS Barry, a destroyer, which has already been deployed to the Mediterranean. Next week the US is sending a special radar-equipped warship to the sea, in what the Pentagon described as the first step in the development of a broad anti-ballistic missile system – supposedly to protect Europe against a hypothetical Iranian nuclear threat. The move marks the first of the Obama administration’s four-phase plan to put land- and sea-based radars and interceptors in several European locations during the next decade. Senior Pentagon official John Plumb said: “Here is our first concrete demonstration of our commitment to the missile defence of our deployed forces, allies and partners in Europe.” (Morning Star Online) Greek news portal Zougla reported that the two USS war ships are headed the Souda Bay, at the island of Crete in Greece. Coalition of the WillingMeanwhile The Economist analyses a possible alternative Libya military intevension scenario in order to bypass China’s and Russia’s opposition to a UN Security Resolution for a no-fly zone. A “Coalition of the Willing”,a alliance consisting of USA, the UK and the NATO could bring down the Mad Man of Tripoli. |
Home / News / Politics / US Ass. Sec. Gordon denied military operation against Libya pending – US Fleet piles up
Tags A Libya Athens coalition of the willing Greece libya mediterranean sea military intervension NATO philip gordon souda bay UK us fleet USA USS Barry USS Kearsarge USS ponce war scenario