World leaders react to Gaddafi's death

  • 13 years ago
A day of celebration across Libya .... as crowds in Tripoli ... Benghazi.... and Misrata cheer the death of Muammar Gaddafi.
Interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril called it a "historic moment" for the country.
SOUNDBITE: Libyan Interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril
"Well, when we confirm that all the evils plus Gaddafi have vanished from this beloved country. I think it's for the Libyans to realize that this is the time to start a new Libya."
Leaders across the globe hailed Gaddafi's death - as a moment of liberation.
In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron noted the former dictator's victims - including those lost in the Lockerbie bombing.
SOUNDBITE: British Prime Minister David Cameron
"People in Libya today have an even greater chance, after this news, of building themselves a strong and democratic future. I'm proud of the role Britain has played in helping them to bring that about, and I pay tribute to the bravery of the Libyans who've helped to liberate their country."
Earlier in the day - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev - at a news conference with the Dutch Prime Minister - said he hoped the end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule- would lead to democracy.
At the White House, U.S. President Barack Obama used Gaddafi's death to warn authoritarian leaders across the Middle East - and vindicate his cautious U.S. strategy on Libya.
SOUNDBITE: U.S. President Barack Obama
"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 Libyans face a long road to democracy - but said the U.S. and the global community was committed to their success.
Sarah Irwin, Reuters.

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