The future of Libyans is in their own hands now that longtime authoritarian ruler Muammar Gaddafi is dead, U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday.
Gaddafi, 69, who ruled Libya for 42 years, was captured by National Transitional Council soldiers near his home town of Sirte on Thursday. He was shot and died of wounds. The details of his capture and death are still unclear and are expected to be clarified on Friday.
“Today, the government of Libya announced the death of Muammar Gaddafi. This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of Libya, who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya,” Obama said in the White House’s Rose Garden.
“For four decades, the Gaddafi regime ruled the Libyan people with an iron fist. Basic human rights were denied. Innocent civilians were detained, beaten and killed. And Libya’s wealth was squandered. The enormous potential of the Libyan people was held back, and terror was used as a political weapon,” he said.
“Today, we can definitively say that the Gaddafi regime has come to an end. The last major regime strongholds have fallen. The new government is consolidating the control over the country. And one of the world’s longest-serving dictators is no more,” the U.S. president said.
Obama called on Libya’s authorities to respect the rights of all nationals and said this was a “momentous day in the history of Libya.”
“The dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted… The Libyan people now have a great responsibility - to build an inclusive and tolerant and democratic Libya... We look forward to the announcement of the country’s liberation, the quick formation of an interim government, and a stable transition to Libya’s first free and fair elections,” Obama said.
He added that Libya’s road to full democracy will be “long and winding,” but promised support from his country and the international community.
“We will be a partner as you forge a future that provides dignity, freedom and opportunity,” the U.S. leader said.
