Clinton: Gadhafi threats won't deter NATO mission

By Bradley Klapper

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, July 2 2011 3:50 a.m. MDT

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, waves as she walks to her car following her arrival at Torrejon de Ardoz Militar Base, near Madrid, Friday, July 1, 2011.

Arturo Rodriguez, Associated Press

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Summary

The U.S. and Spain say they won't let Moammar Gadhafi's threats of attacks against Europe deter their mission to protect Libyan civilians and force him to leave power.

MADRID — The U.S. and Spain say they won't let Moammar Gadhafi's threats of attacks against Europe deter their mission to protect Libyan civilians and force him to leave power.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday in Madrid that instead of issuing threats, Gadhafi should put the interests of his people first.

To do that, Clinton told reporters, the Libyan strongman should leave power.

Spain's foreign minister, Trinidad Jimenez, says countries will continue to exert pressure on Gadhafi to eliminate the threat his forces pose to Libyan civilians.

Gadhafi says Libya will attack Europe unless NATO halts its campaign against his regime.

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