In a speech on Friday, President Barack Obama warned Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to stop attacks on civilians or face international military retaliation. However, he repeatedly emphasized that America’s role in Libya would be limited.
Obama’s speech came within hours after the United Nations authorized military strikes on the Libyan government. He said that with the terms of the U.N. resolution, ending the fighting in Libya was non-negotiable.
“Instead of respecting the rights of his own people, Gadhafi chose the path of brutal suppression,” Obama said. “Innocent civilians were beaten, imprisoned, and in some cases killed. Peaceful protests were forcefully put down. Hospitals were attacked and patients disappeared. A campaign of intimidation and repression began.”
Following protests in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyan protesters took to the streets across the country in mid-February, calling for the ousting of Moammar Gadhafi’s 42-year rule and demanding for universal rights and democratic elections.
“Let me be clear,” Obama said. “If Gadhafi does not comply with the [U.N.] resolution, the international community will impose consequences, and the resolution will be enforced through military action.”
Obama said that even though the United States would continue to help the Libyans with humanitarian and economic assistance, the country would not deploy ground troops into Libya.
France, which has been in the lead with Britain for driving military intervention, will host a meeting on Saturday, which will be attended by Arab leaders and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Obama’s speech came within hours after the United Nations authorized military strikes on the Libyan government. He said that with the terms of the U.N. resolution, ending the fighting in Libya was non-negotiable.
“Instead of respecting the rights of his own people, Gadhafi chose the path of brutal suppression,” Obama said. “Innocent civilians were beaten, imprisoned, and in some cases killed. Peaceful protests were forcefully put down. Hospitals were attacked and patients disappeared. A campaign of intimidation and repression began.”
Following protests in Tunisia and Egypt, Libyan protesters took to the streets across the country in mid-February, calling for the ousting of Moammar Gadhafi’s 42-year rule and demanding for universal rights and democratic elections.
“Let me be clear,” Obama said. “If Gadhafi does not comply with the [U.N.] resolution, the international community will impose consequences, and the resolution will be enforced through military action.”
Obama said that even though the United States would continue to help the Libyans with humanitarian and economic assistance, the country would not deploy ground troops into Libya.
France, which has been in the lead with Britain for driving military intervention, will host a meeting on Saturday, which will be attended by Arab leaders and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
