President Obama authorizes military aircraft to aid refugees in Libya

[News_Editor]

President Obama authorizes military aircraft to aid refugees in Libya

2011-03-04 06:37:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday announced that he has approved the use of a U.S. military aircraft to help Egyptians who have fled to the Tunisian border get back to Egypt.

Obama underlined that along with countries around the world, the U.S. continues "to be outraged by the appalling violence against the Libyan people," adding that the U.S. is currently helping an international effort to "deter further violence, put in place unprecedented sanctions to hold the Gadhafi government accountable, and support the aspirations of the Libyan people."

"Tens of thousands of people, from many different countries, are fleeing Libya," Obama continued. "We commend the governments of Tunisia and Egypt for their response, even as they go through their own political transitions."

The president also has authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development to charter additional civilian aircraft to help people fleeing Libya return to their homes.

"We’re supporting the efforts of international organizations to evacuate people as well," Obama said. "I’ve also directed USAID to send humanitarian assistance teams to the Libyan border, so that they can work with the United Nations, [non-governmental organizations] and other international partners inside Libya to address the urgent needs of the Libyan people."

Obama continued by saying that the U.S. will continue to send a clear message that the violence in Libya must stop, and Gadhafi must go.

Gadhafi "has lost legitimacy to lead, and he must leave,†Obama stated. "Those who perpetrate violence against the Libyan people will be held accountable. And the aspirations of the Libyan people for freedom, democracy and dignity must be met."

Since February 17, Libyan citizens have protested against Col. Moammar Gadhafi, who has ruled Libya since 1969. Gadhafi’s forces have since engaged in increasingly violent clashes with protesters throughout the country, while Libya’s military forces are divided between the two sides. An estimated 180,000 people have fled Libya, many gathering along the border with Tunisia.

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