Jonathan, Obama Urge Gaddafi To Surrender …Pledge Support For Libya’s Transitional Govt

The President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has advised embattled Libyan maximum ruler, Col Muammar Gaddafi to surrender in order to avert further bloodshed in the country.

In a statement in Abuja, shortly after ordering the closure of the Nigerian Embassy in Tripoli, President Jonathan also advised the new leaders to be magnanimous in victory, so as to build the foundation for a new and democratic order in the country, where respect for human rights and the rule of law would prevail.

The statement which was issued on behalf of the President by the Minister of Foreign Affairs,  Amb Olugbenga Ashiru, Monday, said, “Nigeria stands ready to work with the democratic forces in Libya in the transition process”.

While acknowledging the increased gains recorded by the Libyan Transitional Council, the statement expressed regret over the loss of lives, and the hardship the struggle had caused the people.

It also acknowledged “the unmistakable message from the battle for the control of Tripoli,’’ adding that the people of Libya were anxious and determined to take their destiny in their own hands.

In another development, President Barack Obama called on Muammar Gaddafi to end the bloodshed in Libya as pockets of his loyalist forces continued to fight.

“Although it is clear Gaddafi’s rule is over, he still has the opportunity to reduce bloodshed by explicitly relinquishing power to the people of Libya and calling for those forces that continue to fight to lay down their arms,” Obama said.

Vowing the United State would be a friend and partner to help a democratic Libya emerge in the post-Gaddafi era, Obama also cautioned the Libyan opposition against acts of revenge for the four decades of Gaddafi’s autocratic rule.

“True justice will not come from reprisals and violence. It will come from reconciliation and a Libya that allows its citizens to determine their own destiny,” he said.

Although he did not go into details about what help the U.S. would be prepared to offer Libya, Obama said a top priority would be humanitarian aid to the wounded.

He did spell out that U.S. engagement would continue to be part of a multinational effort and praised the role NATO had played in the campaign to oust Gaddafi.

“NATO has once again proven it is the most capable alliance in the world and its strength comes from both its firepower and the strength of out democratic ideals,”Obama said.

It would be recalled that in February, protesters took to the streets in Benghazi, Libya, demanding an end to Gaddafi’s 42 years regime.

The move was fuelled by the uprising in North Africa, which saw the fall of Tunisia, and Egyptian Presidents Ben Ali, and Hosni Mubarak respectively.

Backed by NATO air strikes, Libyan rebels advanced into the Libyan capital on Monday as remnants of Gaddafi’s troops fought last-ditch battles around the veteran leader’s compound.

Turkey has called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has unleashed a crackdown on pro-democracy protests, to end the violence and carry out reforms in the neighbouring country.

More than 33 nations have so far recognised the Libyan Transitional Council since the crisis began six months ago.

Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers South East, receiving Barr Mrs Mina Benebo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Rivers State and chairperson of Permanent Secretaries during the condolence visit of the permanent secretaries to the Senator on the death of his mother, last week