As violence and unrest continues to escalate in Libya, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) has called upon world leaders to send a message of absolute intolerance to President Gaddafi and his oppressive regime.
“World leaders must together put Colonel Gaddafi on notice that his cowardly actions will have consequences,” urged Kerry. “The Gaddafi government’s use of deadly force against its own people should mean the end of the regime itself.”
Sen. Kerry outlined four crucial steps for the international community to take in its response to Gaddifi’s ordered attacks on civilians.
He implored that while Gaddafi is “irredeemable,” his senior military commanders must understand that they could face future war crimes charges. In addtion, Kerry recommended that all American and international oil companies terminate operations in the area until violence subsides.
“The Obama administration…should consider re-imposing U.S. sanctions that were lifted during the Bush era,” added Kerry.
However, the Foreign Relations Chairman was most concerned with the vital role of international organizations at such a pivotal moment.
Asking the United Nations to condemn the violence immediately, Kerry requested that the international body authorize emergency humanitarian aid and discuss potential sanctions, including an arms embargo. He also suggested Libya be removed immediately from the Human Rights commission.
Lastly, Kerry urged the Arab League and the African Union to act with “determination” and “investigate vigorously” possible human rights violations.
“United Nations leadership is on the line…[and] UN action is critical,” emphasized Kerry. “The Arab League and African Union have an opportunity to create a new precedent in response to the crisis in Libya. Today the world is watching how the region’s leaders will respond.”
Kerry: World Is Watching As Leaders Respond To Libyan Conflict
By Anna Cameron
As violence and unrest continues to escalate in Libya, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) has called upon world leaders to send a message of absolute intolerance to President Gaddafi and his oppressive regime.
“World leaders must together put Colonel Gaddafi on notice that his cowardly actions will have consequences,” urged Kerry. “The Gaddafi government’s use of deadly force against its own people should mean the end of the regime itself.”
Sen. Kerry outlined four crucial steps for the international community to take in its response to Gaddifi’s ordered attacks on civilians.
He implored that while Gaddafi is “irredeemable,” his senior military commanders must understand that they could face future war crimes charges. In addtion, Kerry recommended that all American and international oil companies terminate operations in the area until violence subsides.
“The Obama administration…should consider re-imposing U.S. sanctions that were lifted during the Bush era,” added Kerry.
However, the Foreign Relations Chairman was most concerned with the vital role of international organizations at such a pivotal moment.
Asking the United Nations to condemn the violence immediately, Kerry requested that the international body authorize emergency humanitarian aid and discuss potential sanctions, including an arms embargo. He also suggested Libya be removed immediately from the Human Rights commission.
Lastly, Kerry urged the Arab League and the African Union to act with “determination” and “investigate vigorously” possible human rights violations.
“United Nations leadership is on the line…[and] UN action is critical,” emphasized Kerry. “The Arab League and African Union have an opportunity to create a new precedent in response to the crisis in Libya. Today the world is watching how the region’s leaders will respond.”