Obama says Gaddafi rule showing signs of collapse

‘He must realize that his role has come to an end’:

US: Caption- US President Barack Obama said on Sunday Muammar Gaddafi’s rule was showing signs of collapse and called on the Libyan leader to relinquish power to avoid further casualties.”The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Muammar Gaddafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end,” Obama said in a statement. “Gaddafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all.”

The United States has played a supporting role in the NATO campaign that started in March to protect rebels, protesters and civilians from attacks by Gaddafi’s forces, providing technical support and intelligence to help air strikes.Obama has said the United States got involved to shield the Libyan people from humanitarian crisis, and pledged in his Sunday evening statement to stay involved after Gaddafi goes.

He called for the Transitional National Council rebels in Libya to take control upon Gaddafi’s exit and do everything possible to avoid further casualties, preserve the remaining government institutions and commit to pursuing real democracy after decades of rule by the often erratic Libyan strongman.

“At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya,” Obama said in the statement issued during his annual holiday in Martha’s Vineyard, an island near Boston.”

The United States will continue to stay in close coordination with the TNC. We will continue to insist that the basic rights of the Libyan people are respected. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya, and to support a peaceful transition to democracy,” he said.

Earlier on Sunday, on his way into a seaside restaurant in the well-heeled town of Oak Bluffs, Obama told reporters he was waiting for a full picture of the upheaval in Libya to emerge before commenting on conditions there.His written statement came shortly after TNC rebel forces streamed through the Libyan capital of Tripoli, waving flags and firing into the air. The rebels said the city was under their control except Gaddafi’s Bab Al-Aziziyah stronghold, according to al-Jazeera Television. Monday, Yahoo News