Thursday, February 24, 2011

Obama Looks for Libya Options With Allies

Updated at 8:15 p.m.

President Obama is moving forward with plans to come up with an international response to the crackdown on Libyan protesters by Moammar Gadhafi, speaking with top European allies late today.

A range of options, from economic sanctions to a no-fly zone over Libya, are on the table, but no final decisions were apparently reached in separate calls with President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.

UPDATE: Later State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley Tweeted that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton conferred with British Foreign Secretary William Hague about #Libya and the "steps the international community can take in the coming days."


The White House said in its statement, "The President expressed his deep concern with the Libyan government’s use of violence which violates international norms and every standard of human decency, and discussed appropriate and effective ways for the international community to immediately respond."

The statement added, "The leaders discussed the range of options that both the United States and European countries are preparing to hold the Libyan government accountable for its actions, as well as planning for humanitarian assistance. The leaders agreed to maintain close consultations on this issue going forward."

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