NATO wants solution to Libya 'now'

BRUSSELS, July 13 (UPI) -- NATO operations over Libya will continue though the time for a political solution is now, NATO said after meetings with Libyan rebel leaders.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed representatives from Libya's rebel-backed Transitional National Council to discuss the potential future for the war-torn country.

Rasmussen in statements following the meeting said NATO operations in Libya would continue because forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi are still a threat to civilians.

The U.N. Security Council sanctioned a no-fly zone over Libya to protect civilians from Gadhafi loyalists. Gadhafi is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed against his people beginning in February.

Rasmussen said Gadhafi has lost "all legitimacy" and it was time for a political solution led by the Libyan people with the support of the international community.

"The time to find a solution is now," he said.

Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, acknowledged reports from French officials that Gadhafi was sending messages regarding a potential political solution to the conflict. She added that unless the Libyan leader understands it's time to step down, "we don't have a solution."