Rep. Jim Moran issued a statement last night about rebel advances during the ongoing fighting in Libya.
Last night, the indomitable power of freedom carried the Libyan people within reach of ending Moammar Gaddafi’s cruel reign. Now, the dictator must surrender to the International Criminal Court, and face justice at last. The United States and the broad alliance we have brought together to help Libya’s Transitional National Council and oppose Gaddafi’s regime should now focus on supporting a peaceful transition to democracy.
I commend President Obama and his administration for the decisive leadership that has brought us to this day. By halting Gaddafi’s murderous assault on Benghazi on March 17, the United States made the coming victory possible. Gaddafi’s power has been steadily eroded by allied military action and by diplomatic, logistical and financial support European, Arab and African states. The Transitional National Council overcame many obstacles and setbacks in their drive to oust the regime, and it is encouraging that the Berber communities of Western Libya – long persecuted by Gaddafi – played a crucial role in the final approach to Tripoli.
Indeed, from the beginning of this uprising, Libya’s people have been its driving force. Their resilience should serve as a model to other oppressed people. As President Obama has said, the future of Libya is in the hands of the Libyan people, and they will be able to count on U.S. support to create their country’s first democracy.