(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Rasmussen said the precise withdrawal date “will come soon," AFP reported.
A definitive timetable, however, would depend on assessment by the commanders on the ground. He also alleged, "What will play a crucial role is the capability of the [revolutionaries'] Transitional National Council to actually ensure effective protection of the civilian population."
Libya has been the scene of intense fighting between government troops and the fighters since a revolution seeking to topple the now-fugitive Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi began in mid-February.
The US and NATO started to unleash a punishing UN-mandated offensive against Gaddafi in an alleged attempt to pressure him into giving up power on March 19.
The alliance's airstrikes have claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians.
On Saturday, revolutionaries, having moved within 15 to 20 kilometers of the northwestern town of Bani Walid -- one of Gaddafi's last strongholds -- set a deadline of 0800 GMT Sunday for pro-Gaddafi forces to give up.
The interim leadership has announced a temporary truce until September 10 for the forces based in Bani Walid and Gaddafi's northern hometown of Sirt to lay down arms.
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