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Speaking on the sidelines of a UN human rights conference in Geneva, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle stressed that, "It is important to see the international community standing strong and taking concerted action against the dictator and the ruling family".  

In the night from 26 to 27 February 2011 the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to impose extensive sanctions on Colonel Gaddafi and the Libyan leadership.

In Geneva Guido Westerwelle discussed further action to be taken against the Gaddafi regime with his counterparts from the USA, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

The goal – democratic transition 

They talked about how the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council can be enforced, he reported. The goal is to achieve "a democratic transition in Libya", declared the Federal Foreign Minister.

Concerted action against human rights violations

Chancellor Angela Merkel declared one day earlier that the unanimous resolution of the Security Council sends a strong signal to Colonel Gaddafi and to other despots, that human rights violations will not go unpunished.

"The fact that the decision was unanimous clearly underscores the determination of the international community to stand together in their condemnation of Gaddafi’s atrocities. It is high time he went," stressed the Chancellor.

Consultations with President Obama and David Cameron

Angela Merkel had previously spoken by telephone to the US President Barack Obama and the British Prime Minister David Cameron. In both cases she called for sanctions to be imposed swiftly by the United Nations. The three leaders also agreed on their assessment of the situation in Libya; Colonel Gaddafi has lost all legitimacy. The actions he is taking against his own people must cease.

With the British Prime Minister the Chancellor agreed to cooperate closely on efforts to evacuate all British and German nationals wishing to leave Libya. She also declared that she would be working to support reform processes in the Arab world.

Human rights activists and opposition forces report that hundreds have been killed in the continuing violent clashes between pro-government forces and demonstrators in Libya. The situation is difficult to assess since the internet has been largely closed down and no foreign journalists are being allowed to enter the country. Protestors have come under fire from pro-government forces. In some parts of the country, protesters are now in control. Marauding gangs and mercenaries are further aggravating the security situation. 

Speaking on Libyan state television, Colonel Gaddafi has threatened to fight to the bitter end. It is not only foreigners who are fleeing violence. Many Libyans too are attempting to leave the country for neighbouring states. High-ranking representatives of the Libyan government have resigned in protest against the brutality demonstrated by the security forces.