WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement Friday on the situation in Libya:
"I am deeply concerned about the human rights abuses being perpetrated against the Libyan people by Qadaffi and the possibility of a humanitarian disaster as he desperately struggles to hang on to his despotic regime.
“I urge the international community and Obama Administration to take immediate action to ensure Qadaffi does not continue to use his nation's military and mercenaries to massacre the Libyan people.
“I support immediate and meaningful international action, including targeted sanctions and the introduction of human rights monitors, as well as the institution of an arms embargo and the freezing of assets. Actions to be considered must also include the imposition of a no-fly zone to provide protection to the Libyan people from aerial bombardment, and a multilateral force prepared to intervene to ensure peace and security.
“I am encouraged that violence in Libya has been condemned by the United Nations Security Council, European Union, Arab League, African Union, Organization of the Islamic Conference, and other nations globally. Our words supporting human rights must be coupled with action, and the international community must move quickly to protect the Libyan people from Qadaffi."
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