Nato head hails operation a success but warns allies must work closer in future

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen yesterday raised concerns over the low level of defence spending among European allies and called on members to work together to reduce the reliance on the United States for high-tech weapons.

Speaking in Madrid, Mr Fogh Rasmussen said Nato's Libya operation highlighted the dependency on US surveillance and intelligence equipment and precision weapons "simply because no other ally has them available".

He added: "I'm not saying each ally should have those high-end capabilities but I would like to see more of them across our alliance. That is why I am concerned about the low level of defence spending, especially in Europe."

His comments echoed those of US defence secretary Robert Gates who recently slammed European allies for not spending more on defence. Mr Gates said the future of the 62-year-old North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was bleak if Europe did not begin to shoulder more responsibility.

Mr Fogh Rasmussen said defence budgets "cannot be exempt from cuts but I see a real risk European allies will fall further behind the pace of technological progress". He said members needed to spend on "smart defence" workinig together for greater value for money.

Earlier he met Spanish premier Jose Zapatero and highlighted the success of the Libya operations.

He said: "We have prevented a massacre. Our message to the people of Libya is clear; we will protect you for as long as necessary. Our message to the Gaddafi regime is clear; your time is up you must go."