NATO secretary general meets with Turkish Prime minister in Ankara

Apr 4, 2011, 13:27 GMT

Istanbul - NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed the alliance's intervention in Libya with Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a visit to Ankara Monday.

The NATO chief and Turkish leader discussed details about the Libya operation and what steps could be taken towards achieving a cease-fire while respecting the will of the Libyan people, the semi- official Anatolia Agency reported.

Rasmussen's visit took place just days after NATO took over command of the Libya intervention, which is aimed at enforcing a United Nations-backed no-fly zone and protecting civilians in the strife-torn country.

Turkey, the alliance's only predominantly Muslim member, has committed to playing a significant role in the operation, after previously having expressed strong opposition to its being led by NATO.

NATO announced last week that operations would be conducted from the alliance's air base in Izmir province of western Turkey.

Turkey has contributed six ships and seven planes, which are being used in enforcement of a weapons embargo on Libya and in humanitarian efforts.

Rasmussen also met with Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara.

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