Obama urged to clear confusion over US’ interest in Libya mission
March 28th, 2011 - 1:36 pm ICT by ANI
Washington, Mar 28 (ANI): US President Barack Obama, who has contradicted Defence Secretary Robert Gates over America’s intentions in intervening in Libya, has been urged to clarify the issue.
Although Obama said that intervening in Libya was “in our national interest,” Gates insisted that the conflict, while of interest to the United States, was “not a vital national interest.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the issue was rather a “vital” interest to the United States’ allies in Europe.
The difference in opinion within the administration has confused many politicians in the country.
“It’s no wonder that Americans are confused. The President, I hope, would clarify that in his speech on Monday night,” Fox News quoted Arizona Senator John McCain, as saying.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said that Obama should be “unequivocal” in stating that the goal of the current campaign is to oust Gaddafi.
“I hope the president tomorrow night will be dramatically clearer than he has been up to now,” Gingrich added.
Meanwhile, Gates has said that the aim of the military campaign in Libya is not to oust Gaddafi.
“It was never part of the military mission. Regime change is a very complicated business that sometimes takes a long time,” he added.
Gates also fell short of predicting how long the United States might be involved in the current conflict. (ANI)
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Tags: arizona senator john mccain, barack obama, defence secretary, former house speaker newt gingrich, fox news, hillary clinton, house speaker newt gingrich, john mccain, libya, military campaign, military mission, newt gingrich, regime change, robert gates, secretary robert, senator john mccain, speaker newt gingrich, united states allies, vital interest, vital national interest