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US: Transfer of Libya Mission to Happen Soon

   VOA News  March 24, 2011
   White House Press Secretary Jay Carney (file photo)

Photo: AP

   White House Press Secretary Jay Carney (file photo)

   The White House says it is confident the United States will be handing
   over the lead of the international effort in Libya very soon.
   Spokesman  Jay  Carney told reporters Thursday the transfer of control
   could  happen  in  a  matter  of  days,  not weeks.  NATO members are
   meeting  to  discuss  who  will assume responsibility for the "no-fly"
   zone,  which  was set up to protect civilians under authorization from
   the United Nations.
   Carney  said  the  United States will have a role in the next phase of
   the operation, but will not be the lead in enforcing the no-fly zone.
   President  Barack Obama returned to the United States Wednesday from a
   five-day,  three-nation Latin America tour.  Some U.S. lawmakers have
   criticized  him  for  not seeking their authorization before involving
   the U.S. military in the operation.
   In a letter to the president Wednesday, the top Republican in the U.S.
   House  of  Representatives,  John Boehner, sought details on the goals
   and cost of the operation. Â
   The  White House spokesman on Thursday said political reasons could be
   why  some  in  Congress said Mr. Obama did not adequately consult with
   them before authorizing the U.S. involvement. Â
   Carney  said  Mr. Obama has consulted with lawmakers and will continue
   to do so.  The spokesman said that if Mr. Obama would have waited for
   Congress,  which  is  on recess this week, the forces of Libyan leader
   Moammar Gadhafi would have taken control of the city of Benghazi and a
   "great deal of people" would have been killed in the process.

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