Leahy, Welch Cautiously Support Libya Action

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(Host) Senator Patrick Leahy says Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s behavior forced an international military response over the weekend.

A coalition led by the United States, Britain and France has bombed targets in Libya to enforce a no-fly zone ordered by the U.N. Security Council.

Leahy says it’s important that the military offensive has the backing of the U.N. and the Arab League.

(Leahy) "I think that the U.S. and its allies had no choice but to respond, especially after Gadhafi claimed he was going to have a cease fire and then set forward to actually slaughter his people."

(Host) Leahy spoke by cell phone from the Dominican Republic, where he’s traveling with Congressman Peter Welch to observe the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps.

Welch says he doesn’t want the U.S. drawn too deeply into the conflict.

(Welch) "I think all of us will be extremely eager to hear from the president, particularly as to his specific statements about how he will limit America‘s involvement."

(Host) Welch says the U.S. has to be careful that it doesn’t overextend itself, given that it’s already involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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