NATO

International pressure is building from Britain and France to place a no-fly zone over Libya.

Forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi have dropped missiles on the oil port of Ras Lanuf, although there are no reports of immediate casualties this new attack has sparked further condemnation.

As western countries are drafting a no-fly zone resolution for the United Nations Security Council, the Libyan government claim that these countries have their own incentives for intervening.

Two soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, part of the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group, have been killed in southern Afghanistan.

The soldiers died yesterday in an explosion that occurred in an area north of Musa Qal'ah District in Helmand Province.

Both families have been informed.

Task Force Helmand spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said:
"It is with deep sadness I must inform you that a single IED explosion yesterday afternoon killed two British soldiers.

President Nicolas Sarkozy has formally announced plans to take France back as a full member of NATO.

French reintegration into NATO’s military structure has been a gradual process. France is currently the fourth largest contributor of troops.

Sarkozy’s main task is to convince the public. He faces resistance from the opposition and from the members of his own party.

A notable opponent is his rival Dominique de Villepin, the former prime minister.