Updated

NATO says it will continue Libya operations and will bomb Muammar Qaddafi's forces if they keep fighting.

Spokesman Col. Roland Lavoie also told reporters Tuesday that pro-Qaddafi forces are severely degraded and losing strength through desertions and defections.

Earlier, France's foreign minister earlier said he hopes NATO's air operation over Libya will end "as soon as possible" -- once rebel fighters topple Qaddafi and his forces for good.

Alain Juppe says France and Britain were responsible for about 75 to 80 percent of NATO air operations over Libya in recent months.

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