NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has ruled out implementing a no-fly zone across parts or all of Libya. Speaking at a Brussels press conference, he told reporters a U.N. resolution would be needed to make a no-fly zone a legal course of action. However, he did suggest that air strikes and a no-fly zone could happen in the future. He said he could not imagine the international community would "stand idly by" if Colonel Gaddafi continued attacking innocent civilians. NATO military leaders have said a no-fly zone could be up and running in two to three days. The German foreign minister said: "One thing for the German government is absolutely clear. We do not want to get sucked into a war in North Africa.”

Rasmussen set out three conditions for NATO intervention: "Firstly, there has to be a demonstrable need for NATO action. Secondly, there has to be a clear legal basis. And thirdly, there has to be firm regional support," he said. The 22-member Arab League meets on Saturday to discuss the situation in Libya. If they recognize the rebel Libya National Council (LNC) as the legitimate representative of Libya's people, this may bring a no-fly zone a step closer. The French government has already said it only recognizes the LNC as Libya’s representative and has invited the group to establish a diplomatic presence in Paris. Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister said this was illegal and warned Libya would “break diplomatic relations with France”.