Obama, Sarkozy pledge to aid Libya transition

The White House is continuing to exert pressure on Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi to step down from office even as President Obama is vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard. 

Obama discussed the fluid situation in Libya in a Tuesday phone call with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the White House said. 

{mosads}According to a transcript of the call, Obama and Sarkozy reiterated that Gadhafi should step down and agreed that both countries would continue to protect Libyan civilians and help in a transition from the Gadhafi regime to a democratic government. 

The end of Gadhafi’s rule appears to be at hand after months of fighting by rebel forces. The rebels have reportedly taken control of Gadhafi’s compound in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, and are fighting remnants of his military forces.

On Wednesday, Gadhafi broadcast a message to residents of Tripoli from an undisclosed location. He vowed to fight “until victory or martyrdom” reported the Associated Press.

While Gadhafi remains at large, the Pentagon says he is probably hiding out somewhere in Tripoli. 

The president hailed the news Monday of Gadhafi’s loosening grip on power.

“In just six months, the 42-year reign of Moammar Gadhafi has unraveled,” Obama said in an audio statement that touted the efforts of NATO forces and the United States to intervene in the country. 

Obama has been receiving updates on the situation in Libya as well as daily national security briefings while he and his family vacation on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

Earlier Tuesday, the first family went for a bike ride at a park on the island and then went to a private beach. In the morning, Obama received his daily security briefing from John Brennan, his top counterterrorism adviser.

This story was posted on Aug. 23 at 1:17 p.m. and has been updated on Aug. 24 at 8:35 a.m.