As pro-Gaddafi forces continued their assault on rebels in Libya, top US Senators have asked President Barack Obama to take "meaningful actions" against the country's regime before it is too late, including through imposition of a no-fly zone and recognition of the opposition National Council.
The US should take actions like "the imposition of a no fly zone, recognition of the Transitional National Council as the legitimate government of Libya, and provide assistance to them that will help them prevail in their fight against (Muammar) Gaddafi," Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, said in a joint statement.
"More than ever, the situation in Libya demands leadership by the United States, along with our Arab, African, and European friends and partners, to provide the tangible assistance to the Libyan people that they are calling for, so that they are not defeated in their uprising against a brutal dictatorship," they said.
Gaddafi must go, the Senators said, adding this requires the US not just developing and reviewing possible options, but also taking "meaningful actions that urgently answer the growing calls of the Libyan people for help before it is too late."
Naeem Gheriany, a leading Libyan-American community member, said at the National Press Club that the Transitional National Council is the only body authorised to make decisions "pertaining to the political, security and military situation in Libya, and to its international relations; and to determine the type of requested international support."
Libyans living in the US and Canada have started a signature campaign for recognition of the National Council, calling it the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people.
"We give our complete support for the February 17th revolution represented by the Libyan National Transitional Council, which was formed under the leadership of Mr Mustafa Abduljalil. And we consider the National Transitional Council the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Gheriany said at the joint news conference addressed by several Libyan diplomats who have left the Gaddafi regime.
"We welcome France's recognition of the National Transitional Council, and we call on the American government, Canadian government, Arab League, Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the United Nations, African Union and all nations of the world to recognise the National Transitional Council as the sole representative of the Libyan people and the sole agent responsible for its welfare," he said.
Meanwhile, following the emergency summit in Brussels, European Union leaders unanimously called on the Libyan leadership to step down immediately.
"We have made clear to the Libyan authorities that the use of force against citizens must stop," said Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.
"Those responsible will face grave consequences. The current leadership must give up power without delay; all 27 (EU Member States) say it loud and clear. We have the situation under constant review and will keep up the pressure," he said.
