The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreed to partially assume command of imposing the no-fly zone on Libya after several days of hard bargaining from its member states. The United States will, however, remain in command of the ground operations, the toughest part of Odyssey Dawn.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the announcement in Brussels. He said the alliance could assume greater responsibilities although they have not decided on that yet. According to Rasmussen, some NATO members are hesitant to get involved in the ground operations, particularly its sole Muslim member Turkey.

Over in Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended the alliance for taking responsibility of the no-fly zone, although she is hoping that NATO would take full control of the operation, backed by the United Nations. Odyssey Dawn costs the United States approximately $1 billion in one week, drawing criticisms from lawmakers from both parties.

NATO is expecting to resume imposition of the no-fly zone in two to three days. The alliance will have its headquarters at Naples and will be headed by Adm. Samuel Locklear. The North Atlantic Council would meet Sunday to discuss the launching of broader military plans which includes enforcing a “no drive” zone.

US weapons have been used sparingly than they were when the operation began. Navy Vice Adm. William Gortney said that 75 percent of airstrikes have been implemented by other members of the coalition. If needed, the US will still conduct airstrikes but Gortney clarified that Washington will only provide support missions, such as refueling and aerial surveillance.

The Allied forces have tried to seek participation of Arab countries, to avert an all-Western military presence. Qatar is expected to commence air patrols during the weekend while the United Arab Emirates will deploy a dozen planes. On Thursday, the Turkish Parliament has authorized its government to take part in enforcing the no-fly zone.

Gadhafi’s airplanes have been effectively grounded. In a press briefing, Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said no Libyan airplane has been flying since the enforcement of the no-fly zone.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon bared that representatives from the government and rebel forces will meet in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Friday to discuss a possible ceasefire and political solution to the crisis. Ban said that the Libyan leader ignored UN demands for declaring a ceasefire and is in danger of further actions from the Security Council if he persists.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that Gadhafi need not step down for Odyssey Dawn to end. The UN mandates calls for the Libyan leader to order his forces to return to barracks and stop threatening the civilians.

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