Barack Obama tells Gaddafi: Libya violence must stop

[Turborama]

Source: The Guardian

US president finally breaks silence on Libya to condemn ruling regime and make threat of sanctions

Ewen MacAskill | Thursday February 24 2011

Barack Obama has warned the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi that he faces the prospect of international sanctions over violence against demonstrators, and condemned Gaddafi's actions as outrageous and unacceptable.

Obama is sending secretary of state Hillary Clinton to Europe to discuss what actions can be taken to stop the violence, and to take part in a meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The US president took care to maintain balance in his pronouncements over the uprisings in Egypt. By contrast, this statement was unequivocal in its criticism of Gaddafi's actions. Obama promised that the Libyan leader would be held accountable.

"The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop," Obama said.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/24/obama-gaddafi-libya-violence-speech

[TMcCaleb]

1. about time

[agentS]

2. Yeah, Mr. President,- I don't think Col. Gaddafi is gonna listen to us

He never has before. Therefore, he's going to have to learn this lesson the hard way like Mubarak did.

[spin]

3. "And if the violence does not stop, I'll say stop again!!!!"

Speak softly but carry a big stick.

[Knight Hawk]

4. And never ,never

use the stick...................

[DissedByBush]

5. And you whack yourself with the stick

If you ever think of doing something ballsy.

[Alamuti Lotus]

6. US/NATO forces have been mowing down Afghan civilians at about the same rate as Qadhdhafi lately

such erstwhile valid statements might carry a bit more credibility if you weren't doing the same things right now, or helping others do the same.

[Turborama]

10. US/NATO forces are not "mowing down Afghan civilians" on purpose. Gaddafi is

Are you seriously saying President Obama is just as bad as Gaddafi?

And where do you get your "lately" statistics from?

[David__77]

7. I hope that Obama continues his cautious course and respect of Libya's sovereignty.

I am pleased so far with his response.

[rayofreason]

8. "A strongly worded letter to the NYT"...

was probably the SECRET threat that was made give teeth to the administration's bold public diplomacy.

More here-

http://www.borowitzreport.com/2011/02/22/state-department-offers-support-to-whoever-winds-up-winning/

[Imagevision]

9. or what?