WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday agreed that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi should step down immediately, the White House said.
Obama and Cameron discussed the fast-moving situation in Libya during a phone call. “The two leaders discussed the coordination of international efforts to end the violence against the Libyan people and ensure accountability,” the White House said in a statement.
Libya has been plunged into chaos as massive anti-government protests continue nationwide, resulting in a violent crackdown by security forces which included aerial bombardments on protesters. Up to 2,000 people are believed to have been killed in the uprising, but confirmed information has been difficult to obtain due to reporting restrictions by Libyan authorities.
The President and the Prime Minister agreed that “the common objective” in Libya must be “an immediate end to brutality and violence.” But the leaders also agreed that Gaddafi’s departure from power should come as soon as possible.
“The President and the Prime Minister agreed to press forward with planning, including at NATO, on the full spectrum of possible responses, including surveillance, humanitarian assistance, enforcement of the arms embargo, and a no fly zone,” the statement said.
Obama expressed his appreciation for Britain’s partnership at the United Nations and provision of humanitarian assistance to the Libyan people, the White House said. Obama also committed to a close coordination on the next steps.
