Gaddafi has lost the confidence of his people: US

Lalit K JhaWashington, Feb 26 (PTI) Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafihas lost the confidence of his people and faces zerocredibility among them, the White House has said as ittoughened its stand against the authoritarian regime.

"It''s clear that Colonel Gaddafi has lost theconfidence of his people. He is overseeing the brutaltreatment of his people: the fatal violence against his ownpeople. His legitimacy has been reduced to zero in the eyes ofhis people," White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney toldreporters at his daily news conference.

Carney, however, said the US always maintained that itis a matter for the Libyans to decide on their leadership.

"I think it is also clear that the people of Libyahave expressed that his (Gaddafi) continued use of deadlyviolence, his clear violations of human rights are totallyunacceptable anywhere in the world," he said.

"The status quo is simply neither tenable noracceptable. The Libyan people deserve a government now thatprotects the safety of its citizens, is responsive to theiraspirations, and is broadly representative."Washington''s decisions are not based on personalities,he said.

"It is about the peaceful expression of thedissatisfaction of the people of Libya with their leadership.

We support them in their aspirations, but we are actingunilaterally and multilaterally in a way that we believe needsto be done to put pressure on the regime to cease thishorrendous activity," he said.

"The best case scenario for any state in the region orthe world is a government that treats its people well, that isresponsive to the aspirations of its people, that includes itspeople in the political process in a democratic way. And thatis a peaceful, responsible neighbour in its region of theworld and in the international community," Carney said.

The White House spokesman said the situation out therein the African country is still fluid.

"Obviously, the situation in Libya remains dangerousand unresolved, as does the situation in the whole regionremains unresolved in different ways.

"But, all I would say is I would encourage everyone toremember, as these events unfold and we deal with them, thatthe goals we have are peaceful reactions to peacefuldemonstrations," he said.

Respect for universal human rights in countries wheredemonstrations were taking place and responsiveness from thegovernments would lead to greater stability and prosperity,the spokesman added.