NYC Letter: Bat Phone Diplomacy

Day 770 of CHOPE

I want the U.S. to tell the world and to work with the countries who love peace...they have to stop this.

Ali Ojli,
ex-Libyan ambassador to the United States,
pleading for the leader of the free world to speak out
against Mr. Gaddafi's pacification of Libya
February 21, 2011 (Politico)

As leader of the free world the world takes an interest in your pronouncements. There is a not unreasonable expectation that you are prepared to lead. Nations and peoples hang on your message, your delivery, your tie selection. [Horripilant needle scratch.]

The President spoke today with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, as he has done with many of his international counterparts this week, to discuss the situation in Libya and coordinate our urgent efforts to respond to developments and ensure appropriate accountability. The President and the Chancellor shared deep concerns about the Libyan government’s continued violation of human rights and brutalization of its people. The President stated that when a leader’s only means of staying in power is to use mass violence against his own people, he has lost the legitimacy to rule and needs to do what is right for his country by leaving now.

READOUT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CALL WITH
CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL OF GERMANY
WASHINGTON February 26, 2011 (White House)

[Hat tip: White House Dossier]

Angie, how about you pass that on to Muammar.

CHOPE.

Leadership through the grapevine.