A NATO official says the alliance''s warships will begin patrolling off Libya''s coast Wednesday to enforce the UN arms embargo on the country.

Meanwhile, diplomats say an agreement is gradually emerging about how NATO would assume responsibility for maintaining the no-fly zone over Libya.

The allies agreed Tuesday to organize the naval mission, which initially will consist of two NATO naval flotillas that routinely patrol the Mediterranean. They are made up of two frigates, six minesweepers and a supply ship.

The NATO official who asked not to be identified under standing rules says the naval mission to maintain the UN arms embargo will be commanded from NATO''s operational center in Naples, Italy. He says more nations are likely to contribute warships to the task force.