The Obama Administration has expressed satisfaction over the level of participation by Arab countries in the on-going military operation by the US-led coalition forces in Libya to implement the UN Security Council resolution in this regard.
"We are very satisfied by the Arab participation, and there will be more announcements in the days ahead. But this is a comprehensive effort, and I think it’s very clear each nation is contributing what it is capable of doing, and providing support for one or more of the various missions called for under UN Security Council Resolution 1973," Clinton told reporters at a joint news conference with her Moroccan counterpart Taieb Fassi Fihri.
The Administration continues to talk to other Arab states like Jordan and the UAE, Deputy National Security Advisor, Ben Rhodes said, adding that different countries are going to have different contributions to make.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, denied reports that there is no support from the Arab countries.
"I know that at least one country is participating, but I don't know if they've announced it yet, so I'm hesitant to do so myself. There is at least one participating, and a number are providing support and assistance -- for example, overflight rights and access and so on," Gates said.
{{/usCountry}}"I know that at least one country is participating, but I don't know if they've announced it yet, so I'm hesitant to do so myself. There is at least one participating, and a number are providing support and assistance -- for example, overflight rights and access and so on," Gates said.
{{/usCountry}}State Department spokesman Mark Toner said that the US operating procedure on this has been to allow other countries to characterize their support.
"But again, this is something that we're working through, and I would just say to give it some time. We do believe we will have greater Arab support in this coalition," he said.
Toner said US and its coalition partners acted following the appeal made by the Arab League.
"They did issue a statement calling for UN assistance and assistance from the international community to end what all agreed was an imminent humanitarian catastrophe in Libya.
There was urgency to act, and the US and others brought their capabilities to bear to begin implementing 1973 as soon as possible," he said.
"As we move forward, we’re going to see that support grows. We’re going to see the participation of other partners and allies in the process. But I don’t want to judge or tell you who those countries might be," Toner said.