With the war in Libya coming to a close ever since the NATO took over, and it’s dictator on the run, President Obama has urged Gadhafi’s loyalist forces to give up.
Speaking in a high level UN conference, the President said, “Today, the Libyan people are writing a new chapter in the life of their nation. We will stand with you in your struggle to realize the peace and prosperity that freedom can bring. Those still holding out must understand-the old regime is over, and it is time to lay down your arms and join the new Libya.”
This message comes during a time when the rebel forces continues to face stiff resistance from Gadhafi’s loyalist forces in three towns and with the failure of the Interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril to name a new cabinet as his proposals have not received full backing.
Obama also added that the US ambassador was on his way back to Tripoli while also emphasizing that steps towards ‘free and fair elections’ must be taken, after four decades of living under the rule of Gadhafi.
In taking a backseat in the NATO-led assault which came in for a lot of criticism, Obama would have felt justified in making the right choice ever since the rebels finally took Libya’s capital in the past month.
The President also promised aid to help Libya rebuild from the aftermath of war while also solidifying partnerships to unleash Libya’s untapped potential as it continues to be one of the largest producers of oil.