NATO Ready to Assist EU With Anti-Smuggler Operations in Libya if Requested

ANSA reports that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO will consider any EU request for assistance in regard to EU military operations against smugglers in Libya: “’Let’s let the EU take its own decisions,’ Stoltenberg said amid mooted plans to destroy people-smuggler boats. …’If the EU makes requests of us we will consider them seriously, but so far it hasn’t,’ Stoltenberg said. According to Reuters, “U.S. Ambassador to NATO Douglas Lute “said information-sharing between NATO and the EU could be possible. Accurate intelligence pinpointing smugglers’ vessels would be key to the success of the operation.”