"We are not going to use force to go beyond a well-defined goal, specifically the protection of civilians in Libya," Xinhua reported quoting Obama as saying in a televised speech.
"Particularly at a time when our military is fighting in Afghanistan and winding down our activities in Iraq, that decision is only made more difficult," said Obama, referring to the use of military force.
The Libyan government Friday decided to halt military operations against rebels in line with a UN Security Council resolution that imposed a no-fly zone over the North African country.
The announcement of a ceasefire came after the international community began discussing measures, including military action, against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces to enforce a no-fly zone.
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