Rubio Calls for Recognition of Libyan Rebels

MARCH 31, 2011

BY: THE HILL

Sen. Rubio Calls On Senate To Pass Bipartisan Resolution Authorizing Action In Libya And Removal Of Qaddafi Regime

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio yesterday sent a letter to Senate leadership requesting their support for bringing a bipartisan resolution to the Senate Floor that would authorize military action in Libya and the removal of Muammar Qaddafi from power. Furthermore, the resolution should urge the President to recognize the Interim Transitional National Council as the legitimate government in Libya.

In the letter, Senator Rubio states that, "I am writing to seek your support for bringing a bi-partisan resolution to the Senate floor authorizing the President's decision to participate in allied military action in Libya. Furthermore, this resolution should also state that removing Muammar Qaddafi from power is in our national interest and therefore should authorize the President to accomplish this goal. To that end, the resolution should urge the President to immediately recognize the Interim Transitional National Council as the legitimate government in Libya."

Senator Rubio adds, "As long as Qaddafi remains in power, he will be in a position to terrorize his own people and potentially the rest of the world. In fact he has vowed to turn rebel strongholds into 'rivers of blood.' If he succeeds, it will provide a blueprint to repressive regimes across the Middle East in the use of force against unarmed civilians. And unlike the conflicts in other nations in the region, the rebels in Libya have requested and welcome our support."