Corker: NATO Military Officers Right to Avoid Nation-Building in Libya

Statement

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today commented on top NATO military officers reportedly expressing a desire to end the NATO-led operation in Libya as soon as possible and avoid a long-term nation-building and policing effort now that Moammar Gadhafi is out of power.

"When the administration involved the U.S. in Libya, we were told the mission would be limited to protecting civilians and would last a matter of days, not weeks. Now, five months later, the Libyan opposition has removed the Qadhafi regime from power, and it's time to wind down the operation as soon as possible. NATO should not be engaged in another nation-building operation that could entrench the alliance for years to come," Corker said. "Libya is not a poor nation and possesses resources to invest in their own reconstruction. Once the civilian threat has been removed, any additional NATO assistance should be limited to technical advice on a small-scale basis and to achieve specific goals outlined by the Libyan transitional government with clear targets and definitive end times. We support the desire of the Libyan people to rebuild their country and determine their own future after decades of oppression."

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