Obama Urges Gaddafi to Step Down

Thousands of Libyan rebels in the eastern stronghold of Benghazi celebrate the rebel incursion in the capital, Tripoli. Photo by CNN

Libya's embattled strongman Muammar Gaddafi has lost all control over the country and has to step down as soon as possible, US President Barack Obama has declared.

In a statement released late on Sunday, Obama has called on the dictator to "relinquish power once and for all."

"Tonight, the momentum against the Gadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Gadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator," said Obama in the statement, as cited by CNN.

The US President believes that a season of conflict must now lead to a season of peace.

Two of Gaddafi's sons, Seif al-Islam and Mohammed,  have already been captured by rebel forces who have moved onto the downtown districts of Libya's capital Tripoli. The rebels are now said to be in control of 90% of the city.

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