Obama: Libyan bloodshed 'unacceptable'

US President Barack Obama has made his first statement on Libya's political crisis.

Mr Obama said the violent crackdown in Libya violated international norms and that he had ordered his national security team to prepare the full range of options for dealing with the crisis.

He said:"The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable,"

"These actions violate international norms and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop."

The United States is considering its options to respond to Libya's violent political crisis. One of the options due for consideration is the possibility of imposing sanctions. Officials are currently consulting with the international community to see what steps can be taken.

The news comes as Libya's civil unrest continues to sweep panic across the nation. Anti-government protestors have been attacked by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces and fighting has now spread to the capital city, Tripoli.

Armed militias and gangs continue to threaten locals and thousands are fleeing the country.

Snipers and fighter-jets have attacked demonstrators calling for Colonel Gaddafi to stand down from his 42-year rule.

Italy's foreign minister has assesed the death toll at 1000 after Gaddafi tried to crush anti-government protests.

Some Libyan ambassadors have resigned in allegiance with the protesters.

World leaders are scrambling to send planes and ships to evacuate and rescue their citizens from the turmoil in the country.