President Barack Obama, speaking from the White House on Wednesday, condemned the use of violence in Libya against civilians. He stated the the U.S. was trying to ensure the safety of American citizens in Libya while working with international partners on “a way forward.” Obama extended condolences to the family and loved ones of those injured or killed in Libya and reiterated American support for the universal rights of the Libyan people: “That includes the rights of peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of the Libyan people to determine their own destiny. These are human rights. They are not negotiable. They must be respected in every country. And they cannot be denied through violence or suppression.” Obama also stressed the importance that the international community speak with “one voice” on the situation in Libya and said that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be traveling to Geneva to meet with foreign counterparts at the Human Rights Council.
Jennifer Rubin, writing at her blog Right Turn, criticized the President’s statement and policy on Libya as “hapless.” She further called his language choice “obtuse” in not directly stating that Muammar Gadhafi has committed war crimes against his own people and further said the statement portrayed Obama as weak.
