Speaking in London at an international conference on Libya, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that within the span of one week, the United States and its partners have "prevented a potential massacre, established a no-fly zone, stopped an advancing army, added more partners to this coalition, and transferred command of the military effort to NATO."
The coalition's response to the Gadhafi government's brutal campaign against protesters "has been truly an international effort and a reflection of our shared concern for the safety of civilians and our support for the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people," said Secretary Clinton.
But "while our military mission is focused on saving lives, we must continue to pursue the broader goal of a Libya that belongs not to a dictator, but to the Libyan people," she said:
"Beyond our military efforts, all of us are called to continue to work together along three tracks: first, delivering desperately needed humanitarian assistance; second, pressuring and isolating the Qadhafi regime through robust sanctions and other measures; third, supporting efforts by Libyans to achieve their aspirations through political change. On the humanitarian front, under the leadership of the United Nations, we will work with NATO, the EU, other international organizations and regional partners to deliver assistance."
"We cannot and must not attempt to impose our will on the people of Libya, but we can and must stand with them as they determine their own destiny.
"This is a time of great change for Libya, for its neighbors across the region and around the world," said Secretary Clinton. "Under different governments, under different circumstances, people are expressing the same basic aspirations – a voice in their government, an end to corruption, freedom from violence and fear, the chance to live in dignity, and to make the most of their God-given talents. We know these goals are not easily achieved, but they are, without question, worth working for together," she said.
"The United States will join the international community in our commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity of Libya."
Increasing Pressure on Gadhafi
The coalition's response to the Gadhafi government's brutal campaign against protesters "has been truly an international effort and a reflection of our shared concern."
