NATO Delays Formal Decision to End Libya Mission

BRUSSELS – A NATO spokeswoman says that the military alliance is postponing its formal decision to end the mission in Libya as consultations continue with the U.N. and Libya's interim government.

NATO's governing body was to formalize on Wednesday its preliminary plans to phase out the alliance's air campaign on Oct. 31. In the meantime, and air patrols would continue to make sure there is no return to violence.

Spokeswoman Carmen Romero said that meeting will now be held on Friday.

Last week, the alliance announced preliminary plans to phase out its campaign on Oct. 31.

On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said some of Libya's leaders had called for NATO to continue its mission "during this interim as they try to establish some new governance."