Japan called on Sunday for Libyan authorities, including leader Moammar Gadhafi, to immediately halt the violence being waged against antigovernment protesters.
A statement issued by Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said the Japanese government "expresses serious concern over the situation in Libya, in which a large number of people are killed or injured."
Japan "strongly condemns the use of flagrant violence . . . against people taking part in peaceful demonstrations" and urged the Libyan authorities including Gadhafi to "immediately halt the violence."
The statement also said the resolution adopted Saturday by the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate halt to the crackdown "represents a clear global message to the Libyan authorities."