Good morning, I'm writing today with an update on the situation in Libya, including
the actions we've taken with allies and partners to protect the Libyan
people from the brutality of Moammar Qaddafi. For further details,
please take a moment to watch this morning's Weekly Address:
Sending our brave men and women in uniform into harm's way is not a
decision I make lightly. But when someone like Qaddafi threatens a
bloodbath that could destabilize an entire region, it is in our national
interest to act. In fact, it’s our responsibility.
Our mission in Libya is clear and focused -- and we are succeeding.
Along with our allies and partners, we are enforcing the mandate of
the United Nations Security Council. Working with other countries, we
have put in place a no-fly zone and other measures that will help
prevent further violence and brutality. Qaddafi's air defenses have been
taken out, and his forces are no longer advancing across Libya.
As a consequence of our quick action, the lives of countless innocent
civilians have been saved, and a humanitarian catastrophe has been
avoided.
The role of American forces in this mission is limited. After
providing unique capabilities at the beginning, we are now handing over
control of the no-fly zone to our NATO allies and partners, including
Arab partners like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The United States has also joined with the international community to
deliver urgent humanitarian assistance. We're offering support to the
Libyan opposition and have frozen tens of billions of dollars of
Qaddafi's assets.
Our message to Qaddafi is clear: attacks against innocent civilians
must end, his forces must be pulled back, humanitarian aid must reach
Libyans in need, and those responsible for the violence in Libya must be
held accountable.
The progress we've made over the past seven days demonstrates how the
international community should work, with many nations, not just the
United States, bearing the responsibility and cost of upholding
international law.
Every American can be proud of the service of our men and women in
uniform who have once again stood up for our interests and ideals. And
as we move forward, I will continue to keep each of you fully informed
on our progress.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
President of the United States P.S. On Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. EDT, I will deliver an address at
the National Defense University in Washington, DC on the situation in
Libya. You can watch the speech live at WhiteHouse.gov/live.
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