For four decades, the Qaddafi regime ruled the Libyan people with an iron fist. Basic human rights were denied. Innocent civilians were detained, beaten and killed. And Libya's wealth was squandered. The enormous potential of the Libyan people was held back, and terror was used as a political weapon.

      Today, we can definitively say that the Qaddafi regime has come to an end. The last major regime strongholds have fallen. The new government is consolidating the control over the country. And one of the world's longest-serving dictators is no more.

      One year ago, the notion of a free Libya seemed impossible. But then the Libyan people rose up and demanded their rights. And when Qaddafi and his forces started going city to city, town by town, to brutalize men, women and children, the world refused to stand idly by.

      Faced with the potential of mass atrocities -- and a call for help from the Libyan people—the United States and our friends and allies stopped Qaddafi’s forces in their tracks. A coalition that included the United States, NATO and Arab nations persevered through the summer to protect Libyan civilians. And meanwhile, the courageous Libyan people fought for their own future and broke the back of the regime.

      So this is a momentous day in the history of Libya. The dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted. And with this enormous promise, the Libyan people now have a great responsibility—to build an inclusive and tolerant and democratic Libya that stands as the ultimate rebuke to Qaddafi's dictatorship. We look forward to the announcement of the country's liberation, the quick formation of an interim government, and a stable transition to Libya's first free and fair elections. And we call on our Libyan friends to continue to work with the international community to secure dangerous materials, and to respect the human rights of all Libyans— including those who have been detained.

      We're under no illusions—Libya will travel a long and winding road to full democracy. There will be difficult days ahead. But the United States, together with the international community, is committed to the Libyan people. You have won your revolution. And now, we will be a partner as you forge a future that provides dignity, freedom and opportunity.

      For the region, today's events prove once more that the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end. Across the Arab world, citizens have stood up to claim their rights. Youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship. And those leaders who try to deny their human dignity will not succeed.

      For us here in the United States, we are reminded today of all those Americans that we lost at the hands of Qaddafi's terror. Their families and friends are in our thoughts and in our prayers. We recall their bright smiles, their extraordinary lives, and their tragic deaths. We know that nothing can close the wound of their loss, but we stand together as one nation by their side.

      For nearly eight months, many Americans have provided extraordinary service in support of our efforts to protect the Libyan people, and to provide them with a chance to determine their own destiny. Our skilled diplomats have helped to lead an unprecedented global response. Our brave pilots have flown in Libya's skies, our sailors have provided support off Libya's shores, and our leadership at NATO has helped guide our coalition. Without putting a single U.S. service member on the ground, we achieved our objectives, and our NATO mission will soon come to an end.

      This comes at a time when we see the strength of American leadership across the world. We've taken out al Qaeda leaders, and we've put them on the path to defeat. We're winding down the war in Iraq and have begun a transition in Afghanistan. And now, working in Libya with friends and allies, we've demonstrated what collective action can achieve in the 21st century.

      Of course, above all, today belongs to the people of Libya. This is a moment for them to remember all those who suffered and were lost under Qaddafi, and look forward to the promise of a new day. And I know the American people wish the people of Libya the very best in what will be a challenging but hopeful days, weeks, months and years ahead.

      Thank you, very much.

     利比亚政府今日宣布了卡扎菲的死讯。卡扎菲之死是利比亚发展的新篇章。卡扎菲政权40年来无视基本人权，通过恐吓人民巩固其统治。现在其政权已经倒台。利比亚人民获得决定自己命运的机会。

      8个月前，利比亚人民走上街头要求自己的权利。他们攻下一座又一座城市，完成看似不可能的任务。美国及其盟友——北约及阿拉伯国家为利比亚人民提供了保护，帮助他们与卡扎菲政权作斗争。

      现在，利比亚过渡政府肩负重任，他们很快将宣布利比亚全境解放。在这之后，过渡政府将通过稳定的转型促成一次自由、公平的选举，以建立独立、民主、宽容的新政府。

      我们呼吁利比亚政府与国际社会合作，并且尊重包括战俘在内所有人的基本人权。通往民主的道路很漫长，难免会遇到挫折。

      美国和盟友承诺将帮助伙伴——利比亚建立独立、民主的新国家。人民有权要求权利，任何国家的领导人都不应漠视，‘铁腕’统治终将走向灭亡。

      我在此缅怀因卡扎菲政权而死的美国人，以及在战场上为国捐躯的战士们。利比亚人民用8个月夺取政权，北约通过空袭帮助他们。我们没让一个美国人踏上利比亚领土，就达到了目的。美国及北约对利比亚的军事行动也将很快结束。

      今天属于利比亚人民，美国人民及全世界所有热爱民主、自由的人民都会为其喝彩。