“Action Has Begun”

Obama tells reporters he authorized "limited military" activity, reiterates he acted in "broad coalition" with international partners.

Earlier: In Brasilia, Obama says Allies are “prepared to act, and to act with urgency” to end violence against Libyan civilians.

Pool Report 9:

President Obama told reporters that he had authorized “limited military action in Libya” and reported, “That action has begun.”

He the U.S. will contribute its “unique capabilities at the front end,” but did not specify what that meant.

Mr. Obama said the use of force was not his first choice and “not a choice I make lightly.”

“In this effort, the United States is acting with a broad coalition” that is committed to enforcing the U.N. Security Council resolution that called for protecting the Libyan people.

He said he consulted his international security team and the bipartisan leadership of Congress before acting. He promised to “keep the American people fully informed.”

The president reiterated that the U.S. will not send in ground troops.

“Today I authorized the armed forces of the United States to begin a limited military action in Libya,” he began. “That action has now begun.”

Obama said he had given Muammar Gaddafi the chance to avoid this outcome. “Despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity,” Obama said.

“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,” he told reporters.

“We must be clear, actions have consequences and the writ of the international community must be enforced,” he said.

He emphasized the international support for the action and said he was proud the U.S. was acting as part of a coalition that included “partners who are prepared to meet their responsibilities.”

“Make no mistake: today we are part of a broad coalition,” he said, a contrast to the Iraq invasion that was opposed by many allies and by Mr. Obama himself. “We are acting in the interest of the United States and the world.”

The statement was delivered from a lower level of the convention center where he spoke to CEOs. Watching him from the sidelines were Bill Daley, Valerie Jarrett, Tom Donilon, Dan Pfeiffer, Ben Rhodes and Jay Carney.