US - Oct 20, 2011 - 21:48

A selection of quotes from Obama's news conference at the White House:

This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of Libya who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya.

"Just one year ago, the notion of a free Libya seemed impossible, but then the Libyan people rose up and demanded their rights.

"This is a momentous day in the history of Libya, the dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted.

"Across the Arab world, citizens have stood up to claim their rights. Youth are delivering a powerful rebuke to dictatorship. And those leaders who try to deny their dignity will not succeed.

"For the region, today's events prove once more that the rule of an iron fist inevitably comes to an end."