Brussels, Oct 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti): NATO is not planning to leave forces around Libya following the end of its military mission in the country, NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu has said.

"A very complex operation, such as the Unified Protector ... cannot be turned on or off like a switch. This takes some time. But there is no intention of keeping armed forces in the neighbourhood of Libya after the end of the operation," Lungescu said Monday at a press briefing in Brussels.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Sunday the alliance will continue monitoring the security situation in Libya and "retain the capacity to respond to threats to civilians, if needed".

The UN Security Council passed a resolution in March authorising a NATO mission to protect Libyan civilians from attacks by troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

Gaddafi, who had ruled Libya for 42 years, was executed shortly after being captured by National Transitional Council fighters near his home town of Sirte.

Libya's new authorities declared Sunday the country's liberation from Gaddafi's rule.