World leaders react to Moammar Gadhafi's death

UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon and other world leaders say they will work with Libyans as they try to move forward and build a democracy after Moammar Gadhafi's death.

"Let us recognize immediately that this is only the end of the beginning," he said Thursday. "The road ahead for Libya and its people will be difficult and full of challenges."

The UN chief's comments came after reports emerged saying the ousted leader was captured and killed in his hometown of Sirte, which fell to rebels Thursday after months of resistance.

He urged Libyans to come together as they move through a "historic transition" after decades of Gadhafi rule.

"As Libya's transitional authorities prepare the way for elections and take the many other steps towards building their new nation, inclusion and pluralism must be the watchwords.

"All Libyans must be able to recognize themselves in the nation's government and leadership," he said. "The high hopes sustained through the long days of revolution and conflict must translate into opportunities and justice for all."

He said the UN is on the ground in Libya, ready to assist as the North African nation works to rebuild.

United Kingdom

"People in Libya today have an even greater chance after this news of building themselves a strong and democratic future," U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron said outside 10 Downing Street.

"I'm proud of the role that Britain has played in helping them bring that about, and I pay tribute to the bravery of the Libyans who've helped to liberate their country. We will help them, we will work with them, and that is what I want to say today."

Cameron also said Thursday should be a day to remember Gadhafi's victims, including the people who died in the Lockerbie bombing. 

Canada 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Libya's National Transitional Council confirmed Gadhafi's death.

"Gadhafi's days are over," Harper said from Ottawa Thursday afternoon. "Never again will he be in a position to support terrorism, or to turn guns on his own citizens.

"The Libyan people can finally turn the page on 42 years of vicious oppression and continue their journey toward a better future," he said. 

He praised members of the Canadian forces who took part in the mission and Lt.-Gen. Charles Bouchard of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who led the military mission.

"I've recently spoken with General Bouchard, and our government shall be speaking with our allies to prepare for the end of our military mission in the next few days. With the shadow of Gadhafi now lifted from their land, it is our hope that the Libyan people will find peace and reconciliation after this dark period in the life of their nation. And we look forward to working with them."

United States

"This marks the end of long and painful chapter for the people of Libya," U.S.President Barack Obama said Thursday afternoon.

The Libyan people will now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a "new and democratic Libya," he said.

"Today we can definitively say that the Gadhafi regime has come to an end," Obama said. "The last major regime strongholds have fallen. The new government is consolidating the control over the country, and one of the world's longest serving dictators is no more."

He said Thursday was a "momentous day" in Libya's history.

"The dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted, and with this enormous promise, the Libyan people now have a great responsibility – to build an inclusive and tolerant and democratic Libya that stands as the ultimate rebuke to Gadhafi's dictatorship."

He said the U.S. looks forward to the announcement of the country's liberation, and the transition to free and fair elections.

"We call on our Libyan friends to continue to work with the international community to secure dangerous materials, and to respect the human rights of all Libyans – including those who have been detained," Obama said.

"We're under no illusions. Libya will travel a long and winding road to full democracy – there will be difficult days ahead. But the United States, together with the international community, is committed to the Libyan people. You have won your revolution, and now we will be a partner as you forge a future that provides dignity, freedom and opportunity."

NATO

"After 42 years, Colonel Gadhafi's rule of fear has finally come to an end. Libya can draw a line under a long dark chapter in its history and turn over a new page," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a statement. "Now the people of Libya can truly decide their own future."

"I call on all Libyans to put aside their differences and work together to build a brighter future. I urge the National Transitional Council to prevent any reprisals against civilians and to show restraint in dealing with defeated pro-Gadhafi forces.  

"NATO and our partners have successfully implemented the historic mandate of the United Nations to protect the people of Libya.  We will terminate our mission in co-ordination with the United Nations and the National Transitional Council.  With the reported fall of Bani Walid and Sirte, that moment has now moved much closer."

France

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, one of the leading players in the campaign against Gadhafi, said Thursday that Gadhafi's demise is a milestone in Libya's battle to free itself from dictatorship.

According to a Reuters report, Sarkozy said the liberation of Sirte must signal "the start of a process agreed by the CNT to establish a democratic system in which all groups in the country have their place and where their fundamental freedoms are guaranteed."