U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday discussed the developments in Libya with leaders of Germany, France and Britain following the death of the North African country's deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Obama talked to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron via videoconference, and they "welcomed the end of the Gaddafi regime and agreed that it is an extraordinary day for the NATO-led coalition and above all the Libyan people," the White House said.
Gaddafi died of wounds in his capture in Sirte on Thursday, after nearly two months on the run, as fighters of the ruling Libyan National Transitional Council claimed control of his hometown.
The four leaders also discussed the European financial crisis, the White House said, noting that Merkel and Sarkozy, whose countries are the leading economies of the euro zone, "fully understand the urgency of the issues in the euro zone and are working diligently to develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the challenge and which will be politically sustainable. "
They agreed to continue to "consult closely" as they prepare to meet at the G-20 summit in Cannes, France in early November, the White House added.
Ahead of a crucial EU summit on Sunday, Germany and France remain divided over how to best employ the European Financial Stability Facility.