US leans on Libyan leadership to end violence
February 21st, 2011 - 1:18 pm ICT by ANI
Washington, Feb.21 (ANI): The United States State Department has said that it was “gravely concerned” about reports of violence in Libya, and particularly over the number of deaths in many parts of the country.
The New York Times quoted State Department spokesman, Philip J. Crowley, as saying that Washington has raised “strong objections about the use of lethal force” with several senior Libyan officials, including Foreign Minister Musa Kusa.
“Libyan officials have stated their commitment to protecting and safeguarding the right of peaceful protest. We call upon the Libyan Government to uphold that commitment and hold accountable any security officer who does not act in accordance with that commitment,” Crowley said.
On Friday night, President Barack Obama spoke to King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain, leaning on the government to show restraint, especially against peaceful protesters, and pressing for meaningful reform.
US National Security Adviser Thomas E. Donilon telephoned Bahrain Crown Prince Sheik Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, to underscore Obama’s message.
Administration officials said Sunday that the tough line with Bahrain, home of the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet and the center of American efforts to contain Iran, had been effective.
As it did with Iran and Egypt, the administration has responded in different ways to the embattled governments in Libya and Bahrain.
“What we’re doing is saying, consistently across the board they are universal human rights that need to be respected,” said Ambassador Susan Rice.
Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential Republican from South Carolina, said: “I’d like to see regime change in Libya. I’d like to see regime change in Iran. I think we need to be tougher on companies that do business with Iran. But, generally speaking, the administration, I think, has handled Egypt well and is trying to stay ahead of this when it comes to Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.”
Meanwhile, Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Saudi Arabia and is expected to visit Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and, possibly, Bahrain. (ANI)
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- Iran bolstering its position as political balance shifts and shakes in Arab world - Feb 24, 2011
- 66 injured as troops fire at protesters in Bahrain - Feb 19, 2011
- Scores killed as unrest spreads in Arab world (Roundup) - Feb 19, 2011
- Four killed in Bahrain protest - Mar 16, 2011
- Bahrain anti-government protests pose fresh hurdle for Obama administration - Feb 18, 2011
- Bahrain declares emergency - Mar 15, 2011
- Wikileaks expose: Saudi Arabia urges US attack on Iran - Nov 29, 2010
- Bahrain opposition declines talks with government (Lead) - Feb 19, 2011
- UAE backs Bahrain ruler - Mar 03, 2011
- Protester shot dead as clashes intensify in Bahrain (Lead) - Feb 15, 2011
- Protesters remain in Manama's Pearl Square - Feb 20, 2011
- Egypt effect one week on: rebellion rages across region, scores dead - Feb 18, 2011
- Three dead in Bahrain as police crack down on sleeping protesters (Second Lead) - Feb 17, 2011
- Bahrain king phones Egyptian military chief - Feb 15, 2011
Tags: barack obama, bin hamad, crown prince, fifth fleet, king hamad bin isa al khalifa, lethal force, libyan government, lindsey graham, meaningful reform, message administration, national security adviser, peaceful protest, peaceful protesters, regime change in iran, senator lindsey graham, state department spokesman, susan rice, united states navy, united states state department, universal human rights