Chilmark, Massachusetts — President Barack Obama said Monday that Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi’s “rule is over” although elements of his regime continue to resist rebels who have taken control much of the capital.
He appealed to Gadhafi to prevent further bloodshed and urged opposition forces to build a democratic government through “peaceful, inclusive and just” measures.
In his first appearance since a weekend push by the rebels into the Libyan capital, Obama said there is still fierce fighting in some areas of the city.
“But this much is clear. The Gadhafi regime is coming to an end, and the future of Libya is in the hands of its people.”
Obama made his comments on the grounds of a vacation property where he is staying on Martha’s Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast.
President Barack Obama says the situation in Libya remains fluid and uncertain. But he says longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi’s nearly 42-year-old regime is coming to an end.
After a five month NATO-led bombing campaign, Obama said the situation in Libya reached a tipping point in recent days. However, Obama says there are elements of the regime that remain a threat.
Libyan rebels are claiming control of most of the capital city of Tripoli. However, U.S. officials say Gadhafi’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Obama spoke from his rented vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.