Obama tells Gadhafi to pull back from rebel towns

WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama served notice Friday that Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi must immediately halt his forces advance on Benghazi and pull back from three other rebel contested cities, or face military action.

“That means all attacks against civilians must stop. Gadhafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiya, Misrata and Zawiyah and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all area,” Obama said.

Additionally, Obama said Gadhafi must allow humanitarian aid to reach the country’s people.

Obama’s demands were the most specific terms by the United States since the UN Security Council passed a resolution Thursday authorizing the use of “all necessary means” to protect Libyan civilians.

“These terms are not subject to negotiation. If Gadhafi does not comply with the resolution, the international community will impose consequences. The resolution will be enforced through military action,” he said.