Nato 'is impartial' in Libya, says Rasmussen

The secretary general of Nato has insisted that it is "impartial" and coalition forces in Libya will not arm the rebels to attack Col Gaddafi.

Coalition air raids have hit Muammar Gaddafi's birthplace of Sirte, a key target for westward-advancing rebels.

They came as Nato took full command of the whole military operation in Libya, intended to enforce a UN resolution to protect civilians.

When speaking to the BBC's Gavin Hewitt, the Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, insisted that "Nato is impartial" and there to "protect civilians within the framework of the UN mandate, no more no less".