WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Libya on Monday to immediately put an end to “unacceptable bloodshed” as she condemned Moamer Kadhafi's protest crackdown.

“The world is watching the situation in Libya with alarm,” Clinton said in a written statement. “We join the international community in strongly condemning the violence in Libya.”

“Now is the time to stop this unacceptable bloodshed,” she implored. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have been lost, and with their loved ones.

“The government of Libya has a responsibility to respect the universal rights of the people, including the right to free expression and assembly.”