Obama, Sarkozy call for end to violence in Libya

PARIS - French President Nicolas Sarkozy and US President Barack Obama have jointly called for violence against civilians in Libya to end, on the 10th consecutive day of protests calling for leader Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster.

The two leaders exchanged information on the crisis in the north African country during a telephone conversation Thursday.

Sarkozy said he intends to request another emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the matter, a statement issued by his office said.

Concrete steps are needed to insure humanitarian aid to Libya and the punishment of those responsible for attacks on the protesters, Sarkozy said.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain “close contact” over the Libyan crisis.