In Brazil, Obama orders attack in Libya: 'Actions have consequences'

President Obama's remarks in Brasilia on attack in Libya, as provided by the White House

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody. Today I authorized the armed forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians. That action has now begun.

In this effort, the United States is acting with a broad coalition that is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for the protection of the Libyan people.

That coalition met in Paris today to send a unified message, and it brings together many of our European and Arab partners.

This is not an outcome that the United States or any of our partners sought. Even yesterday, the international community offered Muammar Qaddafi the opportunity to pursue an immediate cease-fire, one that stopped the violence against civilians and the advances of Qaddafi’s forces.

But despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity.  His attacks on his own people have continued. His forces have been on the move. And the danger faced by the people of Libya has grown.

I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it. I want the American people to know that the use of force is not our first choice and it’s not a choice that I make lightly.

But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy, and his forces step up their assaults on cities like Benghazi and Misurata, where innocent men and women face brutality and death at the hands of their own government.

So we must be clear: Actions have consequences, and the writ of the international community must be enforced. That is the cause of this coalition. 

As a part of this effort, the United States will contribute our unique capabilities at the front end of the mission to protect Libyan civilians, and enable the enforcement of a no-fly zone that will be led by our international partners. And as I said yesterday, we will not -- I repeat -- we will not deploy any U.S. troops on the ground.

As commander-in-chief, I have great confidence in the men and women of our military who will carry out this mission. They carry with them the respect of a grateful nation. 

I'm also proud that we are acting as part of a coalition that includes close allies and partners who are prepared to meet their responsibility to protect the people of Libya and uphold the mandate of the international community. 

I've acted after consulting with my national security team, and Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress. And in the coming hours and days, my administration will keep the American people fully informed. But make no mistake: Today we are part of a broad coalition. We are answering the calls of a threatened people. And we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world. Thank you very much.    ####

Photo: Roberto Stuckert Filho / EPA (Obama toasts Brazil President Dilma Rousseff Saturday); United States Navy (USS Barry fires one of 112 Tomahawk missiles at Libya, March 19).

Comments

[blackone]

Well, the President and the Europeans gave Kaddafi WARNING, after WARNING after WARNING.

I just don't understand why they couldn't just have a "siddown" with the man.

[spinnikerca]

The President does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent threat to the nation. -- Sen. Barack Obama, 2007

Happy war, Malcolm.

[Angela Birch]

spinnikara, but the president does have the authority as commander in chief toauthoriz participation in a UN action.
We have done that many times.
Bushies war was not part of a UN sanctioned no fly zone.

You really must learn the difference.

[Bob]

Bush made me do it.

[Marco]

Why Libya but neither Rwanda nor Ivory Coast? USA is one country only. Why USA feels the right to attack other country in the name of the world?

[DKelfor America]

Obama in Brazil? When does the man ever stay home? If Obama has the need to travel - how about visiting Americans who have lost their homes and jobs under his watch as a Congressman and President and chat and drink with them?

[James Benoit]

Well, well, well - does this mean the lunatic left will begin rioting in the streets DEMANDING that Obama be tried as a "war criminal?" Hmmm?

The United Satates is still in {Obama's "good" war} Afghanistan, still in Iraq, firing missles at and bombing Libya -
i.e. talking tough AND using America's "big stick" - so dang 'fellas and gals' - if I didn't know better - I'd have thought this was 2005 and we had a TEXAN in the White House.

Maybe this is how American foreign policy works - with continuity and with America's self interests in mind first- but the hypocrisy from the left will be deafening - in it's SILENCE.

[James Benoit]

Angela; purely because if the criminality of Chirac and the French who vowed to veto U.N. resolution 1441 - because Chirac had EXTENSIVE business dealings with Saddam - he and France's reason for covering for Iraq.

You play games of semantics - but the truth of what happened is easily accessible to those who seek it out.

The fact of the matter is the left is FILLED with hypocrites; "war by conservatives; bad" - "war by socialists; good" - how transparent.

[Celia]

Obama did not mention that Brazil in not part of that coalition ...........no, not on board. ............but what Brazil will do is take our money to dill for oil ....Obama promised them millions back in 2009..............yes, in a company that the largest stock holder is ..............George SOROS............"sweet"

[Rey Tostado]

Presdient Obama is proving to be a child on geopolitical affairs. He views verything through the Muslim / Marxist prism. In that context I completely understand why he does the idiotic things that we have to accept. For example he only acted on this matter after clearing it through the Arab League. Why is he bowing to dignitaries in the muslim / Marxist world? I.E. The king of Saudi Arabia and the Chinese premier and alternatively he will not bow for the Queen of England. There is an obvious message there for those whom are paying attention. Congratulations Jimmy Cater, we now have a President that is worse than you. You may pass the dunce hat to the new moron in chief.!!!!!!!!!