Libyan govt''s use of violence unacceptable: Obama

Lalit K JhaWashington, Feb 25 (PTI) US President Barack Obamatoday said the use of violence by the Libyan governmentagainst its own people is completely unacceptable.

Obama also discussed a range of options with theTurkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan when he telephonedthe latter on current situation in Libya.

"The President and the Prime Minister expressed theirdeep concern about the Libyan government''s use of violenceagainst its people, which is completely unacceptable, anddiscussed appropriate and effective ways for the internationalcommunity to immediately respond," the White House said in astatement.

Obama and Erdogan affirmed their strong support forthe universal rights of the Libyan people, including the rightto peaceful assembly, free speech, and the ability of theLibyan people to determine their own destiny and agreed thatthese rights must be respected.

"They discussed the range of options that both theUnited States and Turkey are considering to ensure thesecurity of our citizens in Libya and hold the Libyangovernment accountable for its actions. They also agreed onthe importance of providing humanitarian assistance to thepeople of Libya," the White House said.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact onthis issue going forward, and took note of the fact thatSecretary of State Hillary Clinton will consult with herTurkish counterpart Foreign Minister Davutoglu when shetravels to Geneva on Monday.

Obama''s call to the Turkish leader was part of hiseffort to reach out to key global leaders to discuss with themthe current situation in Libya and the options available.

Yesterday, Obama called the French President NicolasSarkozy, the British Prime Minister David Cameroon and theItalian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

"The leaders discussed the range of options that boththe United States and European countries are preparing to holdthe Libyan government accountable for its actions, as well asplanning for humanitarian assistance.

"The leaders agreed to maintain close consultations onthis issue going forward," the White House said.

On Wednesday, Obama had asked Libyan authorities tostop violence and had urged international community to have acollective voice on this issue.

"In a volatile situation like this one, it isimperative that the nations and peoples of the world speakwith one voice, and that has been our focus," he said.