NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has twitttered out of turn over the situation in Libya on Twitter.

The Dane sent a Twitter message reading:“#NATO stands ready to protect the civilian population against attacks from the regime. #Libya.

Within an hour the message had been toned down and replaced with: #NATO stands ready to protect the civilian population if there is a demonstrable need, clear legal basis and strong regional support. #Libya”.

At present, NATO members are not unanimous over the issue of whether or not to enforce a no-fly zone above Libya, if the United Nations Security Council adopts a resolution giving the green light for action against Tripoli. Earlier this week, NATO member Turkey said it opposed a no-fly zone. NATO members

Meanwhile fighting continues unabated between Libya's government forces and rebels in Misurata, Ajdabiya and Benghazi. The Libyan Ministry of Defence has announced a ceasefire on Sunday to give the rebels an opportunity to hand over their weapons.