US has no plans to assassinate Gaddafi: Obama

Many US lawmakers have complained against Obamas decision to strike Libyan defenses without prior approval.

US President Barack Obama has told Congressional leaders that the US military would not be used to assassinate Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi,sources familiar with Fridays briefing at the White House have said.

There was a discussion of how we have other ways of regime change. Its not our role to do anything at this point from a kinetic point of view. It is our goal for regime change,but were not going to do it from a kinetic point of view, ‘Politico’ quoted Maryland Representative Dutch Ruppersberger,the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee,as saying.

Another source briefed on the one-hour meeting confirmed that claim,saying: Its not just military efforts that can force his removal.

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The president,Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen and Gen. Carter Ham,commander of U.S. Africa Command,were among the administration officials briefing lawmakers involved in the Friday meeting and conference call.

Although many lawmakers have complained against Obamas decision to strike Libyan defenses in support of a no-fly zone without prior Congressional approval,Ruppersberger praised Obamas handling of the situation.

He took decisive action. He took action that was focused,and he did it pursuant to a world coalition, Ruppersberger added.

Earlier,Arizona senator John Mccain while supporting the Presidents decision to intervene militarily in Libya,remained concerned that the current efforts might not be enough to avoid a ‘stalemate and accomplish the US objective of forcing Gaddafi to leave power.