NATO had underestimated the resistance of Gaddafi – French Foreign Minister

"We probably underestimated the resistance forces of al-Gaddafi, but we are not bogged down … no one ever said it would be very quick war," – said Juppe. The Minister also noted that the rebel troops were able to achieve success in the south and west of Libya. "The coalition will continue its military pressure (at Gaddafi)," – said the head of the Foreign Ministry. In mid-February in Libya began mass demonstrations calling for the withdrawal of the ruling the country for over 40 years Gaddafi, who grew into an armed confrontation between government forces and rebels. UN Security Council March 17 imposed no-fly zone over Libya. To ensure no-fly zone, an arms embargo and civil protection coalition of Western countries began March 19 in Libya, a military operation whose leadership a few days completely taken over by NATO. The mandate of the operation was due to expire on June 27, June 1 but extended the NATO operation in 90 days – until the end of September. According to political observers, despite the support of NATO forces, the rebels have not yet achieved significant success in combat units of the army clashes with Colonel Gaddafi.