Obama consults with leaders of France, Britain, Italy and Turkey on Libyan crisis

President Barack Obama on his call with Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom

From the White HouseReadout of President Obama’s Calls with President Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Berlusconi of Italy.

The President spoke today [2/24], in separate calls, with President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom, and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to continue consultations on the situation in Libya and coordinate our urgent efforts to respond to developments and ensure that there is appropriate accountability.  The President expressed his deep concern with the Libyan government’s use of violence which violates international norms and every standard of human decency, and discussed appropriate and effective ways for the international community to immediately respond.  The leaders affirmed their strong support for the universal rights of the Libyan people, including the right to peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny and agreed that these rights must be respected.  The leaders discussed the range of options that both the United States and European countries are preparing to hold the Libyan government accountable for its actions, as well as planning for humanitarian assistance. The leaders agreed to maintain close consultations on this issue going forward.

From the White HouseReadout of President Obama’s Call with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey.

The President spoke today [2/35] with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey to continue consultations on the situation in Libya with our international allies and partners, coordinate our urgent efforts to respond to developments, and ensure that there is appropriate accountability.  The President and the Prime Minister expressed their deep concern about the Libyan government’s use of violence against its people, which is completely unacceptable, and discussed appropriate and effective ways for the international community to immediately respond.  They affirmed their strong support for the universal rights of the Libyan people, including the right to peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny and agreed that these rights must be respected.  They discussed the range of options that both the United States and Turkey are considering to ensure the security of our citizens in Libya and hold the Libyan government accountable for its actions.  They also agreed on the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Libya.  They agreed to maintain close contact on this issue going forward, and took note of the fact that Secretary of State Clinton will consult with her Turkish counterpart Foreign Minister Davutoglu when she travels to Geneva on Monday.  (photo: White House)

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