President Obama Calls Today a Momentous Day for Libya

Confirming that Colonel Gaddafi is indeed dead, the President said that today “belongs to the people of Libya”, and that the “American people with the Libyan people the very best going forward”. “Gaddafi and his forces went from city brutalizing his people and the world refused to watch in silence,” said the President. “The coalition of the United States, NATO and Arab nations helped the Libyan people fight for their future. Today is a momentous day. The dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted. Now the Libyan people have the responsibility of building a democratic system. We hope to see the speedy formation of an interim government, and the first free and fair elections.” President Obama also expressed his wishes to see the Libyans working with the international community, and to respect the human rights of all Libyans, including those currently detained. He then said that, “the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end. Leaders who try to deny human dignity will not succeed.” He concluded by praising the work of the Americans who had worked hard, some giving their lives, to protect the Libyan people. “We achieved our objectives, and showed the strength of American leadership across the world.”