Clinton Urges Coalition Partners To Put Pressure On Gaddafi

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged members of the international community Tuesday to maintain diplomatic and political pressure on Muammar Gaddafi in an attempt to persuade the Libyan leader to relinquish control of his country.

“All of us have to … deepen the isolation of the Gaddafi regime,” Clinton said before a London-based conference on Libya’s future. “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. And we have to speak with one voice in support of a transition that leads to that time.”

Clinton added that these steps should also include economic measures, such as continuing the “vigorous” enforcement of sanctions authorized in the UN Security Council’s resolutions against Libya.

The Secretary’s remarks come amid an ongoing military operation in Libya aimed at enforcing a no-fly zone and protecting Libyan rebels and civilians from the Libyan government. Although the removal of Gaddafi is not part of the mission, Clinton explained Tuesday that his ouster represents a “broader” diplomatic goal.

Biden Visits Japanese Embassy

Vice President Joe Biden made a unannounced trip to the Japanese embassy Tuesday to reiterate U.S. support for the weathered nation.

“It is almost beyond the ability of the human mind to understand the devastation of this natural disaster,” Biden said. What is equally hard to understand…is the resolve of the Japanese people.”

Added Biden, “I have no doubt the Japanese will bounce back from this.”

The Vice President met briefly with Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki, who thanked Biden for his visit.

Biden’s appearance at the embassy follows Obama’s last week. Both signed the same condolences book.

Obama Condemns Violence In Yemen

Forty-one people were killed and more than 200 wounded in Yemen’s capital Friday, raising the death toll in almost a month of protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 32-year rule to more than 70.

President Barack Obama issued the following statement on the violence in Yemen:

“I strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in Yemen today and call on President Saleh to adhere to his public pledge to allow demonstrations to take place peacefully. Those responsible for today’s violence must be held accountable. The United States stands for a set of universal rights, including the freedom of expression and assembly, as well as political change that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people. It is more important than ever for all sides to participate in an open and transparent process that addresses the legitimate concerns of the Yemeni people, and provides a peaceful, orderly and democratic path to a stronger and more prosperous nation.” 

Obama Visits Japanese Embassy

President Barack Obama visited the Japanese embassy in Washington, D.C. Thursday to show his support for the country as it continues to grapple with the threat of a nuclear crisis.

In his unannounced stop, the President signed a condolence book and reiterate U.S. support for Japan, noting that he was confident the country would be able to rebuild.

Obama is scheduled to deliver public remarks on Japan this afternoon.

Missouri Paper Urges McCaskill To Fly Coach

The Kansas City Star is advising Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) to cut down on her travel expenses after it was revealed that she used taxpayer funds to pay for a private flights.

“There’s an obvious less-controversial way to go: Fly commercial more often,” and editorial from the paper reads. “Coach might be best.”

McCaskill, a fiscally minded Democrat, reportedly took 90 flights, one of which violated Senate rules since it took her to a purely political event. The Senator has since apologized for the move and reimbursed the U.S. government the nearly $90,000 she spent on the flights.