been avoided and the lives of countless civilians -- innocent men women and children -- have been savied. as i pledged at the outset the role of american forces has been limited. we are not putting any ground forces into libya. our military has provided unique capabilities at the beginning, but this is now a broad, international effort. our allies and partners are enforcing the no fly zone over libya and the arms embargo at sea. key arab partners like qatar and the united arab emirates have committed aircraft. and as agreed this week, responsibility for this operation is being transferred from the united states to our nato allies and partners. this is how the international community should work -- more nations, not just the united states, bearing the responsibility and cost of upholding peace and security. this military effort is part of our larger strategy to support the libyan people and hold the gaddafi regime accountable. together with the international community, we're delivering urgent humanitarian assistance. we're offering support to the libyan opposition. we've frozen tens of bi