Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to rule: Obama

Lalit K JhaWashington, Feb 27 (PTI) US President Barack Obama hastelephoned German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss thedeteriorating situation in Libya and said its leader MuammarGaddafi has lost the legitimacy to rule.

"The President stated that when a leader''s only meansof staying in power is to use mass violence against his ownpeople, he has lost the legitimacy to rule and needs to dowhat is right for his country by leaving now," the White Housesaid in a statement after the telephonic conversation betweenObama and Merkel.

Obama''s call was part of his outreach with globalleaders on the unfolding situation in Libya and coordinateurgent efforts to respond to developments and ensureappropriate accountability.

The two leaders shared deep concerns about the Libyangovernment''s continued violation of human rights andbrutalisation of its people, the White House said.

"The leaders reaffirmed their support for the Libyanpeople''s demand for universal rights and a government that isresponsive to their aspirations, and agreed that Gaddafi''sgovernment must be held accountable," it said.

"They discussed appropriate and effective ways for theinternational community to respond. The President welcomedongoing efforts by our allies and partners, including at theUnited Nations and by the European Union, to develop andimplement strong measures."The two leaders also discussed the global economicrecovery and the need for effective tools to promote economicstability in the Eurozone.