Good afternoon, everybody. Today I authorized the Armed Forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya in support of an international effort to protect Libyan civilians. That action has now begun. 大家下午好。今天我授权美国武装部队在利比亚开展有限军事行动，以支持国际社会保护利比亚平民的努力。行动已经展开。
In this effort, the United States is acting with a broad coalition that is committed to enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which calls for the protection of the Libyan people. That coalition met in Paris today to send a unified message, and it brings together many of our European and Arab partners. 在这次行动中，美国正与一个广泛联盟合作，该联盟致力于执行联合国安理会第1973号决议，该决议呼吁保护利比亚人民。该联盟今天在巴黎会面以发出统一的信息，汇集了我们许多欧洲和阿拉伯伙伴。
This is not an outcome that the United States or any of our partners sought. Even yesterday, the international community offered Muammar Qaddafi the opportunity to pursue an immediate cease-fire, one that stopped the violence against civilians and the advances of Qaddafi's forces. But despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity. His attacks on his own people have continued. His forces have been on the move. And the danger faced by the people of Libya has grown. 这不是美国或我们任何伙伴所寻求的结果。就在昨天，国际社会还向穆阿迈尔·卡扎菲提供了立即停火的机会，停止对平民的暴力和卡扎菲部队的推进。但尽管其政府发表了空洞的言论，他无视了这一机会。他对自己人民的攻击仍在继续。他的部队一直在推进。利比亚人民面临的危险日益加剧。
I am deeply aware of the risks of any military action, no matter what limits we place on it. I want the American people to know that the use of force is not our first choice and it is not a choice that I make lightly. But we cannot stand idly by when a tyrant tells his people that there will be no mercy, and his forces step up their assaults on cities like Benghazi and Misurata, where innocent men and women face brutality and death at the hands of their own government. 我深刻认识到任何军事行动的风险，无论我们对其施加何种限制。我希望美国人民知道，使用武力不是我们的首选，也不是我轻易做出的选择。但当一个暴君告诉他的人民将不会有仁慈，当他的部队加紧对班加西和米苏拉塔等城市的攻击，无辜的男男女女在自己政府手中遭受暴行和死亡时，我们不能袖手旁观。
So we must be clear: Actions have consequences, and the writ of the international community must be enforced. That is the cause of this coalition. 因此我们必须明确：行为是有后果的，国际社会的意志必须得到执行。这就是这个联盟的事业。
As a part of this effort, the United States will contribute our unique capabilities at the front end of the mission to protect Libyan civilians, and enable the enforcement of a no-fly zone that will be led by our international partners. And as I said yesterday, we will not -- I repeat -- we will not deploy any U.S. troops on the ground. 作为这一努力的一部分，美国将在保护利比亚平民的任务初期贡献我们独特的能力，并使我们国际伙伴领导的禁飞区得以执行。正如我昨天所说，我们不会——我再说一遍——我们不会在利比亚部署任何美国地面部队。
As Commander-in-Chief, I have great confidence in the men and women of our military who will carry out this mission. They carry with them the respect of a grateful nation. 作为总司令，我对将执行这一任务的我国男女军人充满信心。他们承载着一个感恩国家的敬意。
I am also proud that we are acting as part of a coalition that includes close allies and partners who are prepared to meet their responsibility to protect the people of Libya and uphold the mandate of the international community. 我也为我们作为联盟的一部分采取行动而感到自豪，这个联盟包括准备履行保护利比亚人民、维护国际社会授权责任的亲密盟友和伙伴。
I have acted after consulting with my national security team, and Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress. And in the coming hours and days, my administration will keep the American people fully informed. But make no mistake: Today we are part of a broad coalition. We are answering the calls of a threatened people. And we are acting in the interests of the United States and the world. 我在与我的国家安全团队以及国会共和党和民主党领导人协商后采取了行动。在未来的数小时和数天里，我的政府将让美国人民充分了解情况。但毫无疑问：今天我们是一个广泛联盟的一部分。我们正在回应一个受到威胁的人民的呼唤。我们是在为美国和世界的利益而行动。
Thank you very much. 非常感谢大家。
