Oh, Trim Stab - what are these statutes that you talk about? Article V? Well, intervention in Kosovo? Was NATO attacked? OP ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, OCEAN SHIELD etc...were Alliance members directly attacked? Continuing mission in Afghanistan? The emphasis of the recent NATO Strategic Concept is Art IV consultation - and then action, as required, based on concensus
I think Italy holds the key here. They are the NATO member with the most direct threat of destabilisation from a substantial degradation of the situation in Libya - but as yet Berlusconi has been notably silent, probably as he is too busy watching porno. I can't see NATO being able to take substantial action without clear support from Italy.