Clinton Says U.S. Exploring All Options on Libya, Warns Qaddafi on `Thugs'
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council attended by ministers of European and other allied states.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council attended by ministers of European and other allied states. Photographer: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the U.S. is exploring all possible options regarding Libya and that nothing is “off the table.”
“Mercenaries and thugs have been turned loose to attack demonstrators,” Clinton said in a speech today in Geneva. “As we move forward on these fronts, we will continue to explore all possible options for action -- as we have said, nothing is off the table so long as the Libyan government continues to threaten and kill Libyan citizens.”
Clinton spoke at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council attended by ministers of European and other allied states. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle earlier called for a 60-day freeze on all payments for oil to Libya.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says more than 1,000 people have died in the Libyan unrest, in which the regime of Muammar Qaddafi has used air power and mercenaries in a failed attempt to quash a rebellion that has seized much of the country. Libya is Africa’s third-biggest oil producer after Nigeria and Angola and holds the continent’s largest reserves, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.
Qaddafi Must ‘Go’
“Colonel Qaddafi and those around him must be held accountable for these acts, which violate international legal obligations and common decency,” Clinton said. “It is time for Qaddafi to go -- now, without further violence or delay.”
White House press secretary Jay Carney said in Washington that exile for Qaddafi is “certainly one option” and the U.S. is in touch with Libyan opposition groups and consulting with allies on the next steps toward forcing Qaddafi to from power.
A “no-fly zone is an option we are actively considering, discussing with allies and partners,” he said, adding it was “premature” to discuss an embargo on Libyan oil.
In London, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron told parliament he doesn’t rule out the use of military assets in Libya and has asked military leaders to draw up plans for a no- fly zone.
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who attended the Geneva meeting, was quoted by Australia’s ABC television as saying his country wants a no-fly zone imposed on Libya.
“We believe that is necessary given that Qaddafi’s regime has already used its air force to strafe the civilian population,” Rudd said.
Change from Within
Clinton said that while the U.S. is working closely with its allies on Libya, democratic change would have to come from within each country in the Middle East and North Africa.
“Ultimately, the people of Libya will be the ones to chart their own destiny and shape a new Libyan government,” Clinton said. “They are braving the dictator’s bullets and putting their lives on the line.”
Clinton criticized Iran for pursuing “policies of violence abroad and tyranny at home.”
“Why do people have the right to live free from fear in Tripoli but not in Tehran?” Clinton said. “The denial of human dignity in Iran is an outrage that deserves the condemnation of all who speak out for freedom and justice.”
‘Inspired Millions’
Clinton said that protests by young people in the Middle East have “inspired millions around the world” and that “we celebrate what some are rightly calling the Arab Spring.”
“So for leaders on every continent, the choice becomes clearer every day: Embrace your people’s aspirations, have confidence in their potential and help them seize it,” she said. “Or they will lose confidence in you.”
Clinton called for the UN Human Rights Council to be revamped and end its “structural bias against Israel.”
She said the Council needed to have the capacity to respond to emergencies “in real time” and “abandon tired rhetorical debates.”
To contact the reporter on this story: Viola Gienger in Washington at vgienger@bloomberg.net; Gregory Viscusi in Geneva at gviscusi@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Hertling at jhertling@bloomberg.net
Rate These Stories
Rate this Page