General

Obama, Cameron and Sarkozy discuss Libya

U.S. President expresses ‘deep concern’ in late-night call to European leaders

U.S. President Barack Obama held a late-night phone summit on Thursday with U.K. PM David Cameron, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi to discuss the options available to them with respect to Libya. Obama expressed a “deep concern” with the use of violence against pro-democracy demonstrators by Moammar Gadhafi’s security forces and foreign mercenaries, saying it “violates every standard of human decency.” A statement on the meeting expressed the desire to “coordinate our urgent efforts to respond to the developments and ensure there is appropriate accountability,” and outlined a range of options including humanitarian assistance, enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya, and military intervention. Obama was subject to some criticism for his slow reaction, as he made the phone call after hosting an evening celebration of Motown music for Black History Month at the White House, with guests John Legend, Jamie Foxx, Seal and Nick Jonas. Meanwhile, at least 5 people were reported killed on Friday when pro-Gadhafi forces opened fire on protesters in Tripoli’s Green Square.

The Daily Mail

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