Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement condemning the Qadhafi regime’s brutality against peaceful protesters and urging the international community to take immediate action.

“With the brutal response to protesters and threats of further violence, Colonel Qadhafi and his regime have forfeited whatever shreds of legitimacy they had. The international community should consider all measures to end the carnage, including the possible establishment of a no-fly zone to protect Libyan citizens. Additionally, whatever assets Qadhafi and his henchmen have in the United States should be frozen immediately, and all other nations should take the same action.

“I commend the brave Libyan diplomats, such as the ambassador to the United States, who have broken with the regime and called for Qadhafi to quit. I urge the leadership of the armed forces to do likewise and spare themselves and their troops the prospect of future indictment as war criminals. I look forward to a successor regime that demonstrates that Libya is united, democratic, and moderate.”