WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday condemned what she called continued "brutal attacks" by Moamer Kadhafi's forces on Libyan civilians after reports of "renewed atrocities."
Clinton said she was responding to reports of Kadhafi forces firing mortar and artillery rounds into residential areas of Misrata, cutting off water and power to the city, and having snipers shoot at civilians seeking medical care.His forces have also "reportedly destroyed crucial food supply warehouses" in an apparent bid to "starve them into submission," the chief US diplomat said in a statement.
"The United States condemns the Kadhafi regime's continued brutal attacks on the Libyan people in violation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973, which calls for a stop to all attacks on civilians," she said.
Clinton said she was responding to reports of Kadhafi forces firing mortar and artillery rounds into residential areas of Misrata, cutting off water and power to the city, and having snipers shoot at civilians seeking medical care.His forces have also "reportedly destroyed crucial food supply warehouses" in an apparent bid to "starve them into submission," the chief US diplomat said in a statement.
"The United States condemns the Kadhafi regime's continued brutal attacks on the Libyan people in violation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973, which calls for a stop to all attacks on civilians," she said.
"In recent days, we have received disturbing reports of renewed atrocities conducted by Qadhafi's forces," she said.
The March 19 resolution, which allowed for "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, paved the way for US, British and French air forces to impose a no-fly zone and launch attacks on Kadhafi's ground forces.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization subsequently assumed control of the military operations, which were initially led by the United States.
"Under NATO's command and control, the coalition is enforcing UNSCR 1973 to protect innocent civilians in Libya," the chief US diplomat said.
"The United States is also gathering information about Kadhafi's actions that may constitute violations of international humanitarian or human rights law to make sure that they are properly documented and catalogued, and ensure that those who committed these atrocities are held accountable for their actions," she said.
"The international community continues to speak in one voice in support of a transition that leads to a brighter future for the Libyan people," she said
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization subsequently assumed control of the military operations, which were initially led by the United States.
"Under NATO's command and control, the coalition is enforcing UNSCR 1973 to protect innocent civilians in Libya," the chief US diplomat said.
"The United States is also gathering information about Kadhafi's actions that may constitute violations of international humanitarian or human rights law to make sure that they are properly documented and catalogued, and ensure that those who committed these atrocities are held accountable for their actions," she said.
"The international community continues to speak in one voice in support of a transition that leads to a brighter future for the Libyan people," she said
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