UK Prime Minister Cameron Calls for Gadhafi's Surrender as Rebel Forces Enter Tripoli

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has urged Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's regime to stop fighting and relinquish control over Libya as rebel forces entered the capital city of Tripoli. Cameron emphasized that the task now is to support Libya's transition to a democratic and inclusive country under the coordination of the United Nations. He also defended the use of UK war planes in the conflict, stating that it was necessary to prevent a slaughter and had the backing of the UN.

Key Takeaways:

• UK Prime Minister David Cameron called for Gadhafi's regime to surrender as rebel forces entered Tripoli.
• Cameron emphasized the importance of establishing security in the capital and stated that the UK will take action at the UN Security Council to support the new Libyan authorities.
• The UK will release frozen assets belonging to the Libyan people, and work is underway on medical and humanitarian aid.
• Libyans deserve to shape their future, just like people in Egypt and Tunisia, and the UK is committed to supporting their aspirations for freedom and democracy.
• Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg stated that the Arab Spring was driven by youth, technology, and the need for economic reform, and that the UK stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the millions of citizens across the Arab world who are looking to open up their societies.

Statistics:

• The vast majority of Tripoli is under control of "free Libyan forces", although some fierce fighting continues.
• The UK has been one of the main players in a NATO military alliance enforcing a UN mandate to protect Libyan civilians.
• The UK will release frozen assets belonging to the Libyan people once the new authorities are established.
• Work is underway on medical and humanitarian aid to support the people of Libya.

Sources:

• Dow Jones Commodities News Select via Comtex, August 22, 2011
• Nicholas Winning, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 207 842 9498; nick.winning@dowjones.com