Federal NDP decries violence against Libyans protesting Moammar Gadhafi's regime

The federal New Democratic Party has joined the Conservative government and Opposition Liberals in condemning the violent and bloody crackdown by Libyan authorities against anti-government protesters.

“In Libya, authorities have been engaged in atrocities against the country's civilian population and New Democrats strongly condemn the Libyan regime’s use of deadly force—including military aircraft—against civilians,” says an NDP statement released today (February 22).

“The government of Canada must unequivocally express its support for the peaceful realization of the Libyan people’s democratic aspirations. We call on the Canadian government to use all available diplomatic channels to help put an end to the Libyan regime’s violent oppression."

“Canada should also be working with its international partners to bring the issue to the UN Security Council and work to establish a no-fly zone in Libya's airspace."

“In Libya, and across the region, people are demanding rights that New Democrats and Canadians hold to be universal. We are proud to stand alongside them.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday issued a statement decrying the “outrageous and unacceptable” attacks on Libyan citizens by security forces. Harper called on the leadership of the north African country to immediately halt the violence.