France and Britain called on Monday for supporters of Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafii to drop him before it is "too late" and asked Libyans opposing him to join a political process to pave the way for his departure. Leaders of the United States, France, Britain and Germany held a conference call to discuss the situation in Libya and plans for a conference in London on Tuesday.
A French presidential source said. Presidents Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy, Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor Angela Merkel were considering a Franco-British proposal to help secure a political transition in Libya, the source said. Foreign ministers from coalition countries taking part in the UN-mandated operation in Libya will meet in London on Tuesday to discuss political strategies to help bring an end to Gaddafi's rule.
"Gaddafi must go immediately," Sarkozy and Cameron said in a joint declaration on Monday. "We call on all his supporters to drop him before it is too late," they said, adding anybody against him should join a process for political transition.
The statement repeated France and Britain's position that Gaddafi should stand down immediately, as his government has lost legitimacy, and it said the talks in London would be key to launching a long-term political solution for the North African oil-producing nation. It urged the Libyan National Council opposition group to open a national dialogue aimed at starting a transition towards constitutional reform and free and regular elections.
Obama, who will deliver a televised speech on Libya at 7:30 pm EDT (2330 GMT) on Monday, has sought to limit the US role in the Libya operation. He has said the action was designed to protect civilians, not to oust Gaddafi, but he has made no secret of his desire to see the Libyan leader go.
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