Obama, in call to German chancellor: Gadhafi must go 'now'

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi must step down "now," President Obama said Saturday in a call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Obama told the German leader that it's come time for Gadhafi to go, according to a White House readout of the call. 

"The president stated that when a leader’s only means of staying in power is to use mass violence against his own people, he has lost the legitimacy to rule and needs to do what is right for his country by leaving now," the White House said.

Obama spoke to Merkel a day after imposing major sanctions against Libya and Gadhafi, who's cracked down on anti-government protesters over the past week.

Obama's concern that Gadhafi might "use mass violence against his own people" to keep control of power is a possible reference to concerns that Libya remains in control of some weapons of mass destruction that it would turn against its own people.

"They discussed appropriate and effective ways for the international community to respond," the White House readout said. "The president welcomed ongoing efforts by our allies and partners, including at the United Nations and by the European Union, to develop and implement strong measures."

As with the revolution in Egypt, Obama's been frequently consulting with world leaders, Merkel being one of his closest allies in Europe.

On Saturday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the ongoing violence and human-rights violations in Libya "must stop."

"We are moving quickly on a series of steps to hold the Libyan government accountable for its violation of human rights and to mobilize a strong response from the international community," Clinton said in a statement.

She said the State Department had revoked visas for senior members of the Gadhafi regime and the Gadhafi family.

"This afternoon I continued close consultations with our European allies, including EU High Representative Catherine Ashton," Clinton said. "Negotiations are underway at the United Nations Security Council on a resolution that would impose new sanctions and restrictions. On Monday, I will meet with a number of counterparts in Geneva and address the UN Human Rights Council, which on Friday recommended suspending Libya's membership.

"We are also working with partners to determine how to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need," she said. "Consistent with the President's guidance, we will continue to look at the full range of options to hold the Libyan government accountable and support the Libyan people."

This post was updated at 6:10 p.m.