Defense minister calls for Spain to remain in Libya

Defense Minister Carme Chacón has announced that she will "put to Congress the indefinite extension" of Spain's participation in the NATO mission in Libya. The allied force was initially deployed for a period of 90 days, which NATO has since extended by the same timeframe.

Asked on Tuesday how long Spanish forces would remain under the command of Operation Unified Protector, Chacón answered: "Until its objectives are met."

Those objectives are threefold: to end attacks on civilians by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi; to oversee the retreat of Gaddafi loyalists to their barracks; and to ensure the unhindered access of humanitarian aid to non-combatants.

The first three months of Spain's commitment in Libya has cost the state 43 million euros.