From the AP:  Turkey’s prime minister said Tuesday that Moammar Gadhafi must "immediately step down," a major escalation of Turkish pressure on the Libyan leader with whom Turkey has long-standing ties.

Gadhafi has ignored calls for change in Libya and instead preferred "blood, tears and pressure against his own people," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a news conference in Istanbul. "Gadhafi must take a historic step and withdraw, for the future of Libya, its peace and prosperity."

Previously, Turkish leaders had gently urged Gadhafi to meet demands for change from the rebellious opposition, then suggested that he step down. But Erdogan’s comments on Tuesday were his strongest public message to Gadhafi yet.  (photo: Reuters)

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