The Libyan Crisis [Threads Merged]
- Thread starter Waseem
- Start date
Re: US asks Saudi Arabia to arm Libyan Rebels with US weapons
This is real revolution from USA and Saudia. Look now to finish Gadhafi they are together and USA is giving arms to traitors fighters free. waooo. wht a revolution. USA wants Libya another Iraq and Libya will fight like iraq with each other after they will finish Gadhafi.
This is real revolution from USA and Saudia. Look now to finish Gadhafi they are together and USA is giving arms to traitors fighters free. waooo. wht a revolution. USA wants Libya another Iraq and Libya will fight like iraq with each other after they will finish Gadhafi.
hans
Banned
Libya angry over Arab League's no-fly zone vote
23:38 13/03/2011
CAIRO, March 13 (RIA Novosti) - Arab League's decision to impose a no-fly zone over Libya will have negative consequences for Arab nations, Libyan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The Arab League voted on Saturday to ask the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi from carrying out airstrikes against rebels. The vote, at a special meeting in Cairo, was backed by all member states.
Thousands of Libyans have been killed since the first anti-governmental protests broke out on February 15 with people demanding the end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule.
"This decision [to impose the no-fly zone over Libya] was based on the fiction and distortion of facts," Jamahiriya News Agency (JANA) quoted the country's Foreign Ministry as saying.
Libya said the Arab countries should have established a special commission to estimate the situation in the North African state and make the decisions according to the information from the scene of the events.
The European Union and NATO discussed the possible implementation of a no-fly zone over Libya during their meetings in Brussels last week.
Gaddafi has described the no-fly zone proposal as a "colonialist plot" by the West to steal Libyan oil.
23:38 13/03/2011
CAIRO, March 13 (RIA Novosti) - Arab League's decision to impose a no-fly zone over Libya will have negative consequences for Arab nations, Libyan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The Arab League voted on Saturday to ask the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi from carrying out airstrikes against rebels. The vote, at a special meeting in Cairo, was backed by all member states.
Thousands of Libyans have been killed since the first anti-governmental protests broke out on February 15 with people demanding the end of Gaddafi's 42-year rule.
"This decision [to impose the no-fly zone over Libya] was based on the fiction and distortion of facts," Jamahiriya News Agency (JANA) quoted the country's Foreign Ministry as saying.
Libya said the Arab countries should have established a special commission to estimate the situation in the North African state and make the decisions according to the information from the scene of the events.
The European Union and NATO discussed the possible implementation of a no-fly zone over Libya during their meetings in Brussels last week.
Gaddafi has described the no-fly zone proposal as a "colonialist plot" by the West to steal Libyan oil.
Re: Libya angry over Arab League's no-fly zone vote
This is what bloody dictators do. 40 years in power.. what else he wants? get the $uck out of there you power sick crap hole. They can do anything to keep themself in power. Kill as many as they want but keep themself in power. To hell with it.
This is what bloody dictators do. 40 years in power.. what else he wants? get the $uck out of there you power sick crap hole. They can do anything to keep themself in power. Kill as many as they want but keep themself in power. To hell with it.
FaisalLatif
Councller (250+ posts)
Libya; We must not wait for a massacre / World talks while Gaddafi massacres his people
Source: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/20113149418200102.html
US senator says the world cannot wait for Gaddafi to start massacring his people before acting.
John Kerry Last Modified: 14 Mar 2011 13:59 GMT
Ordinary people are facing off against an autocrat's airpower, counting on the world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words [GALLO/GETTY]
Leaders around the world are vigorously debating the advisability of establishing a no-fly zone to stop the violence unfolding in Libya. Some cite Bosnia, where NATO took too long to protect civilian populations in the mid-1990s, as a reason to act. Others remember Rwanda, where President Bill Clinton later expressed regret for not acting to save innocent lives. But the stakes in Libya today are more appropriately underscored by the tragedy in southern Iraq in the waning days of the Persian Gulf War 20 years ago.
As coalition forces were routing the Iraqi army in February 1991, President George Bush encouraged the Iraqi people to "take matters into their hands to force Saddam Hussein the dictator to step aside". When Iraqi Shia, Kurds, and Marsh Arabs rebelled against Hussein, they believed that American forces would protect them against their brutal dictator's superior firepower.
Instead, when Iraqi attack helicopters and elite troops began butchering their own people, coalition forces were ordered to stand down. The world watched as thousands of Iraqis were slaughtered.
The situation in Libya today is not identical. Inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt, the Libyan people rose up spontaneously against four decades of repression by Muammar Gaddafi. Still, the spectre that haunts me is the same - ordinary people facing off against an autocrat's airpower and well-armed soldiers, counting on the free world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words.
So far, Gaddafi’s forces have relied on airpower selectively. But Gaddafi is shrewd. My fear is that he is either choosing to bleed the opposition to death, rather than invite global action with a broad massacre, or waiting for the world to prove itself unwilling to act - at which point he might well begin killing civilians in large numbers.
We cannot wait for that to happen. We need to take concrete steps now so that we are prepared to implement a no-fly zone immediately if Gaddafi starts using his airpower to kill large numbers of civilians. Diplomacy is urgently needed to build broad support for a no-fly zone.
The most important imprimatur should come from the United Nations, where debate should begin immediately over a resolution authorising a no-fly zone. China and Russia have expressed reservations. If the Security Council fails to authorise action, those of us determined to protect Libyan civilians will face a more difficult choice should the violence escalate.
So our diplomatic efforts must extend beyond the UN. The support of NATO and the African Union are important. To avoid the perception of NATO or the US attacking another Muslim country, the backing of the Arab world is also needed.
On that front, there are promising signs. The six Arab countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have called for a UN-imposed no-fly zone. The Arab League may consider a similar proposal. Muslim countries in particular should support preparations for intervention if the violence spirals out of control.
Gaddafi cannot be allowed to think that he can massacre his people with impunity. And he cannot be free to make those attacks more lethal by using his airpower. If the UN cannot approve a resolution for implementing a no-fly zone, then the US and its allies in NATO and the Arab world must be prepared to prevent a massacre like the one that occurred in Srebrenica in 1995, when more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were slaughtered.
Of course, imposing a no-fly zone would not be a panacea. It probably would not tip the balance if the situation in Libya deteriorates into a full-scale civil war. But a no-fly zone would eliminate airstrikes and save civilian lives. It is a tool that we should be ready to use if the situation warrants it, and it would signal to the opposition that it is not alone.
Before that decision is reached, the international community needs to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the rebels in eastern Libya. We must not allow them to be starved into submission.
The one option that should not be on the table is US ground troops; no one wants to see US forces bogged down in another war, especially in another Muslim country. And, as President Barack Obama has said, the Libyan people must not be deprived of full ownership of their struggle for freedom, and Gaddafi must not be given a useful foil and scapegoat.
Perhaps the mere threat of a no-fly zone will keep Gaddafi’s pilots from using their helicopters and fighter jets to kill their own people. If it does not, we should make clear that we will lead the free world to avoid the senseless slaughter of any more Libyan citizens by a madman bent on maintaining power. The US and the world community should also make clear - as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo - that we are taking a united stand against a thug who is killing Muslims.
Source: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/20113149418200102.html
US senator says the world cannot wait for Gaddafi to start massacring his people before acting.
John Kerry Last Modified: 14 Mar 2011 13:59 GMT
Ordinary people are facing off against an autocrat's airpower, counting on the world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words [GALLO/GETTY]
Leaders around the world are vigorously debating the advisability of establishing a no-fly zone to stop the violence unfolding in Libya. Some cite Bosnia, where NATO took too long to protect civilian populations in the mid-1990s, as a reason to act. Others remember Rwanda, where President Bill Clinton later expressed regret for not acting to save innocent lives. But the stakes in Libya today are more appropriately underscored by the tragedy in southern Iraq in the waning days of the Persian Gulf War 20 years ago.
As coalition forces were routing the Iraqi army in February 1991, President George Bush encouraged the Iraqi people to "take matters into their hands to force Saddam Hussein the dictator to step aside". When Iraqi Shia, Kurds, and Marsh Arabs rebelled against Hussein, they believed that American forces would protect them against their brutal dictator's superior firepower.
Instead, when Iraqi attack helicopters and elite troops began butchering their own people, coalition forces were ordered to stand down. The world watched as thousands of Iraqis were slaughtered.
The situation in Libya today is not identical. Inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt, the Libyan people rose up spontaneously against four decades of repression by Muammar Gaddafi. Still, the spectre that haunts me is the same - ordinary people facing off against an autocrat's airpower and well-armed soldiers, counting on the free world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words.
So far, Gaddafi’s forces have relied on airpower selectively. But Gaddafi is shrewd. My fear is that he is either choosing to bleed the opposition to death, rather than invite global action with a broad massacre, or waiting for the world to prove itself unwilling to act - at which point he might well begin killing civilians in large numbers.
We cannot wait for that to happen. We need to take concrete steps now so that we are prepared to implement a no-fly zone immediately if Gaddafi starts using his airpower to kill large numbers of civilians. Diplomacy is urgently needed to build broad support for a no-fly zone.
The most important imprimatur should come from the United Nations, where debate should begin immediately over a resolution authorising a no-fly zone. China and Russia have expressed reservations. If the Security Council fails to authorise action, those of us determined to protect Libyan civilians will face a more difficult choice should the violence escalate.
So our diplomatic efforts must extend beyond the UN. The support of NATO and the African Union are important. To avoid the perception of NATO or the US attacking another Muslim country, the backing of the Arab world is also needed.
On that front, there are promising signs. The six Arab countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have called for a UN-imposed no-fly zone. The Arab League may consider a similar proposal. Muslim countries in particular should support preparations for intervention if the violence spirals out of control.
Gaddafi cannot be allowed to think that he can massacre his people with impunity. And he cannot be free to make those attacks more lethal by using his airpower. If the UN cannot approve a resolution for implementing a no-fly zone, then the US and its allies in NATO and the Arab world must be prepared to prevent a massacre like the one that occurred in Srebrenica in 1995, when more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were slaughtered.
Of course, imposing a no-fly zone would not be a panacea. It probably would not tip the balance if the situation in Libya deteriorates into a full-scale civil war. But a no-fly zone would eliminate airstrikes and save civilian lives. It is a tool that we should be ready to use if the situation warrants it, and it would signal to the opposition that it is not alone.
Before that decision is reached, the international community needs to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the rebels in eastern Libya. We must not allow them to be starved into submission.
The one option that should not be on the table is US ground troops; no one wants to see US forces bogged down in another war, especially in another Muslim country. And, as President Barack Obama has said, the Libyan people must not be deprived of full ownership of their struggle for freedom, and Gaddafi must not be given a useful foil and scapegoat.
Perhaps the mere threat of a no-fly zone will keep Gaddafi’s pilots from using their helicopters and fighter jets to kill their own people. If it does not, we should make clear that we will lead the free world to avoid the senseless slaughter of any more Libyan citizens by a madman bent on maintaining power. The US and the world community should also make clear - as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo - that we are taking a united stand against a thug who is killing Muslims.
Muhammad Tauseef A. Bajwa
Senator (1k+ posts)
Re: Libya; We must not wait for a massacre
Sadistically, Arab League go for an affirmation of "No Fly Zone" over Libya (Settling their own score at this much expense). Disgustful Act by "AMERICA" again!
Who gave 'John Kerry' this much Authority to say : Perhaps the mere threat of a no-fly zone will keep Gaddafi’s pilots from using their helicopters and fighter jets to kill their own people. If it does not, we should make clear that we will lead the free world to avoid the senseless slaughter of any more Libyan citizens by a madman bent on maintaining power. The US and the world community should also make clear - as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo - that we are taking a united stand against a thug who is killing Muslims.Source: http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/20113149418200102.html
US senator says the world cannot wait for Gaddafi to start massacring his people before acting.
John Kerry Last Modified: 14 Mar 2011 13:59 GMT
Ordinary people are facing off against an autocrat's airpower, counting on the world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words [GALLO/GETTY]
Leaders around the world are vigorously debating the advisability of establishing a no-fly zone to stop the violence unfolding in Libya. Some cite Bosnia, where NATO took too long to protect civilian populations in the mid-1990s, as a reason to act. Others remember Rwanda, where President Bill Clinton later expressed regret for not acting to save innocent lives. But the stakes in Libya today are more appropriately underscored by the tragedy in southern Iraq in the waning days of the Persian Gulf War 20 years ago.
As coalition forces were routing the Iraqi army in February 1991, President George Bush encouraged the Iraqi people to "take matters into their hands to force Saddam Hussein the dictator to step aside". When Iraqi Shia, Kurds, and Marsh Arabs rebelled against Hussein, they believed that American forces would protect them against their brutal dictator's superior firepower.
Instead, when Iraqi attack helicopters and elite troops began butchering their own people, coalition forces were ordered to stand down. The world watched as thousands of Iraqis were slaughtered.
The situation in Libya today is not identical. Inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt, the Libyan people rose up spontaneously against four decades of repression by Muammar Gaddafi. Still, the spectre that haunts me is the same - ordinary people facing off against an autocrat's airpower and well-armed soldiers, counting on the free world to protect them against massacre after we have applauded and bolstered their bravery with our words.
So far, Gaddafi’s forces have relied on airpower selectively. But Gaddafi is shrewd. My fear is that he is either choosing to bleed the opposition to death, rather than invite global action with a broad massacre, or waiting for the world to prove itself unwilling to act - at which point he might well begin killing civilians in large numbers.
We cannot wait for that to happen. We need to take concrete steps now so that we are prepared to implement a no-fly zone immediately if Gaddafi starts using his airpower to kill large numbers of civilians. Diplomacy is urgently needed to build broad support for a no-fly zone.
The most important imprimatur should come from the United Nations, where debate should begin immediately over a resolution authorising a no-fly zone. China and Russia have expressed reservations. If the Security Council fails to authorise action, those of us determined to protect Libyan civilians will face a more difficult choice should the violence escalate.
So our diplomatic efforts must extend beyond the UN. The support of NATO and the African Union are important. To avoid the perception of NATO or the US attacking another Muslim country, the backing of the Arab world is also needed.
On that front, there are promising signs. The six Arab countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have called for a UN-imposed no-fly zone. The Arab League may consider a similar proposal. Muslim countries in particular should support preparations for intervention if the violence spirals out of control.
Gaddafi cannot be allowed to think that he can massacre his people with impunity. And he cannot be free to make those attacks more lethal by using his airpower. If the UN cannot approve a resolution for implementing a no-fly zone, then the US and its allies in NATO and the Arab world must be prepared to prevent a massacre like the one that occurred in Srebrenica in 1995, when more than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were slaughtered.
Of course, imposing a no-fly zone would not be a panacea. It probably would not tip the balance if the situation in Libya deteriorates into a full-scale civil war. But a no-fly zone would eliminate airstrikes and save civilian lives. It is a tool that we should be ready to use if the situation warrants it, and it would signal to the opposition that it is not alone.
Before that decision is reached, the international community needs to provide humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the rebels in eastern Libya. We must not allow them to be starved into submission.
The one option that should not be on the table is US ground troops; no one wants to see US forces bogged down in another war, especially in another Muslim country. And, as President Barack Obama has said, the Libyan people must not be deprived of full ownership of their struggle for freedom, and Gaddafi must not be given a useful foil and scapegoat.
Perhaps the mere threat of a no-fly zone will keep Gaddafi’s pilots from using their helicopters and fighter jets to kill their own people. If it does not, we should make clear that we will lead the free world to avoid the senseless slaughter of any more Libyan citizens by a madman bent on maintaining power. The US and the world community should also make clear - as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo - that we are taking a united stand against a thug who is killing Muslims.
Sadistically, Arab League go for an affirmation of "No Fly Zone" over Libya (Settling their own score at this much expense). Disgustful Act by "AMERICA" again!
Re: Libya; We must not wait for a massacre
Who are these people in city Benghazi in Libya. This is another tribe which is against only Gadhafi tribe. they are announcing JIHAD against Gadhafi. Is it JIHAD? They are getting everthing support with money and weapons to fight against Gadhafi. This is revolution? Its not. It will be like Iraq when these people will come in power.
Who are these people in city Benghazi in Libya. This is another tribe which is against only Gadhafi tribe. they are announcing JIHAD against Gadhafi. Is it JIHAD? They are getting everthing support with money and weapons to fight against Gadhafi. This is revolution? Its not. It will be like Iraq when these people will come in power.
Muhammad Tauseef A. Bajwa
Senator (1k+ posts)
Re: Libya; We must not wait for a massacre
Picture given here is by no means original from Libya. This claim is based on personal research and knowledge about the length & breadth of Libya. Dear friends go for your own search and verification. Did these American Lobbyists assume all others fools? No two opinions, whatsoever that this picture is taken from an old file and the rebel (Freedom Fighter) by his dress, facial features and the type of rocket carrying on shoulder clearly depicts that he is an Afghan resistant fighter. This alone exposes the hollowness of this story!
Picture given here is by no means original from Libya. This claim is based on personal research and knowledge about the length & breadth of Libya. Dear friends go for your own search and verification. Did these American Lobbyists assume all others fools? No two opinions, whatsoever that this picture is taken from an old file and the rebel (Freedom Fighter) by his dress, facial features and the type of rocket carrying on shoulder clearly depicts that he is an Afghan resistant fighter. This alone exposes the hollowness of this story!
Salik
Senator (1k+ posts)
World talks while Gaddafi massacres his people....
Commanders of Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, vowed to push deeper into rebel-held territory as they pressed closer to the opposition stronghold of Benghazi, while diplomatic efforts to impose a no-fly zone made little headway.
On Monday, France pressured G8 foreign ministers at a meeting in Paris, to formalise a move on Libya and back its efforts to speed up a UN Security Council decision on imposing a no-fly zone over the country to prevent Gaddafi forces from using warplanes, but the effort hit snags as partners such as Germany raised doubts.
Guido Westerwelle, German foreign minister called for urgent talks in the Security Council for targeted sanctions on Gaddafi's government, but voiced opposition towards military action.
"We are very sceptical about a military intervention and a no-fly zone is a military intervention," he told reporters after the dinner with G8 counterparts.
In the end, a divided Security Council failed to produce a consensus among its 15 members on a no-fly zone, and Russia said it had questions about the proposal.
"Fundamental questions need to be answered, not just what we need to do, but how it's going to be done," Vitaly Churkin, Russian ambassador, said in New York.
Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, also held a late-night, 45-minute meeting in Paris, on Monday, with Mahmoud Jibril, a senior Libyan opposition figure, after discussing the widening crisis with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Arab League on Saturday endorsed a no-fly zone, and its decision satisfies one of three conditions set by the Western NATO alliance for it to police Libyan air space, which is the need for regional support. The other two are proof that its help is needed and a Security Council resolution.
Nawaf Salam, Lebanese ambassador, sole Arab representative on the council, said Lebanon wanted it to act as fast as possible.
"We think it is not only a legitimate request, it is a necessary request," he said. "Measures ought to be taken to stop the violence, to put an end to the ... situation in Libya, to protect the civilians there."
'Gaddafi gains'
Meanwhile, Libyan government artillery and tanks re-took the small town of Zuwarah, 120 km west of Tripoli after heavy bombardment, Tarek Abdallah, a resident said by telephone.
Perhaps more significantly, Gaddafi forces were shrinking the swathe of eastern Libya still held by revolutionary forces.
Rebels say they are fortifying the town of Ajdabiya, against a possible assault by advancing forces loyal to Gaddafi, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Ahmed al-Zwei, rebel spokesman, said on Tuesday, "intermittent" fighting between the two sides was taking place on an 80-kilometre stretch of road between Ajdabiya and the oil port of Brega.
On Monday, Libyan jets flew behind rebel lines to bomb Ajdabiyah, the only sizeable town before the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
Rebels said there had been no casualties, but the attack on Ajdabiya is seen, from the rebels' viewpoint, "as the last line of defence," said Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley, reporting from Benghazi.
"Gaddafi forces are advancing and it seems that fighting is carrying on and coming close to Benghazi," he said.
"It seems like we are entering the final phase of the conflict but whether this revolution will fail or succeed, that will only be determined in the coming weeks."
Colonel Milad Hussein, Libyan army spokesman, said that government forces were "marching to cleanse the country" of insurgents, whom he called "rats and terrorists". He vowed to take on Benghazi, the so-called "rebel capital" in the east.
However, Jamal Mansur, former air force colonel, who had defected from Gaddafi's army, said rebels had regained a foothold in the important eastern oil terminal town of Brega.
Rebel fighters say they captured and even killed Gaddafi troops in Brega - but government forces contest that claim, saying that they are in control of the town.
Libyan state TV showed some images on Monday from Brega port, claiming that it was in government control and at peace.
Al Jazeera correspondents said it was difficult to verify the claims made by both sides.
The lightly armed rebels have been pushed back some 200 kilometres by Gaddafi's better equipped and better trained forces in the past week.
"Real bloodbath"
Ajdabiyah commands roads to Benghazi and Tobruk that could allow Gaddafi's troops to encircle Libya's second city and its 300,000 inhabitants.
Soliman Bouchuiguir, president of the Libyan League for Human Rights, said in Geneva that if Gaddafi's heavily armed forces broke through to attack Benghazi, there would be "a real bloodbath, a massacre like we saw in Rwanda".
Kyung-wha Kang, UN deputy high commissioner for Human Rights said in Geneva that Gaddafi's government had "chosen to attack civilians with massive, indiscriminate force".
Amnesty offer
Meanwhile, Gaddafi offered an amnesty to rebel fighters if they agreed to lay down their arms, Libyan state television reported on Monday.
Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tripoli said the offer will play on to the emotions of very anxious rebel forces who don't know how they will be able to put up a fight against Gaddafi's forces, given the overwhelming superiority of his military forces.
"There is an enormous degree of anxiety. It's an all-or-nothing game now," Anita McNaught said.
"If the rebels do not manage to hold out against Gaddafi and establish some kind of protective zone in the east of the country, it is almost certain in the wake of this, there would be some dreadful purge of those who dared to raise their hands against the Gaddafi administration.
"People know that unless they are able to keep Tripoli at bay, that the alternative is almost too awful to contemplate. Those fears apply equally in Tripoli; they are just not expressed as openly as they are in the east."
Commanders of Libyan forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, vowed to push deeper into rebel-held territory as they pressed closer to the opposition stronghold of Benghazi, while diplomatic efforts to impose a no-fly zone made little headway.
On Monday, France pressured G8 foreign ministers at a meeting in Paris, to formalise a move on Libya and back its efforts to speed up a UN Security Council decision on imposing a no-fly zone over the country to prevent Gaddafi forces from using warplanes, but the effort hit snags as partners such as Germany raised doubts.
Guido Westerwelle, German foreign minister called for urgent talks in the Security Council for targeted sanctions on Gaddafi's government, but voiced opposition towards military action.
"We are very sceptical about a military intervention and a no-fly zone is a military intervention," he told reporters after the dinner with G8 counterparts.
In the end, a divided Security Council failed to produce a consensus among its 15 members on a no-fly zone, and Russia said it had questions about the proposal.
"Fundamental questions need to be answered, not just what we need to do, but how it's going to be done," Vitaly Churkin, Russian ambassador, said in New York.
Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, also held a late-night, 45-minute meeting in Paris, on Monday, with Mahmoud Jibril, a senior Libyan opposition figure, after discussing the widening crisis with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Arab League on Saturday endorsed a no-fly zone, and its decision satisfies one of three conditions set by the Western NATO alliance for it to police Libyan air space, which is the need for regional support. The other two are proof that its help is needed and a Security Council resolution.
Nawaf Salam, Lebanese ambassador, sole Arab representative on the council, said Lebanon wanted it to act as fast as possible.
"We think it is not only a legitimate request, it is a necessary request," he said. "Measures ought to be taken to stop the violence, to put an end to the ... situation in Libya, to protect the civilians there."
'Gaddafi gains'
Meanwhile, Libyan government artillery and tanks re-took the small town of Zuwarah, 120 km west of Tripoli after heavy bombardment, Tarek Abdallah, a resident said by telephone.
Perhaps more significantly, Gaddafi forces were shrinking the swathe of eastern Libya still held by revolutionary forces.
Rebels say they are fortifying the town of Ajdabiya, against a possible assault by advancing forces loyal to Gaddafi, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Ahmed al-Zwei, rebel spokesman, said on Tuesday, "intermittent" fighting between the two sides was taking place on an 80-kilometre stretch of road between Ajdabiya and the oil port of Brega.
On Monday, Libyan jets flew behind rebel lines to bomb Ajdabiyah, the only sizeable town before the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
Rebels said there had been no casualties, but the attack on Ajdabiya is seen, from the rebels' viewpoint, "as the last line of defence," said Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley, reporting from Benghazi.
"Gaddafi forces are advancing and it seems that fighting is carrying on and coming close to Benghazi," he said.
"It seems like we are entering the final phase of the conflict but whether this revolution will fail or succeed, that will only be determined in the coming weeks."
Colonel Milad Hussein, Libyan army spokesman, said that government forces were "marching to cleanse the country" of insurgents, whom he called "rats and terrorists". He vowed to take on Benghazi, the so-called "rebel capital" in the east.
However, Jamal Mansur, former air force colonel, who had defected from Gaddafi's army, said rebels had regained a foothold in the important eastern oil terminal town of Brega.
Rebel fighters say they captured and even killed Gaddafi troops in Brega - but government forces contest that claim, saying that they are in control of the town.
Libyan state TV showed some images on Monday from Brega port, claiming that it was in government control and at peace.
Al Jazeera correspondents said it was difficult to verify the claims made by both sides.
The lightly armed rebels have been pushed back some 200 kilometres by Gaddafi's better equipped and better trained forces in the past week.
"Real bloodbath"
Ajdabiyah commands roads to Benghazi and Tobruk that could allow Gaddafi's troops to encircle Libya's second city and its 300,000 inhabitants.
Soliman Bouchuiguir, president of the Libyan League for Human Rights, said in Geneva that if Gaddafi's heavily armed forces broke through to attack Benghazi, there would be "a real bloodbath, a massacre like we saw in Rwanda".
Kyung-wha Kang, UN deputy high commissioner for Human Rights said in Geneva that Gaddafi's government had "chosen to attack civilians with massive, indiscriminate force".
Amnesty offer
Meanwhile, Gaddafi offered an amnesty to rebel fighters if they agreed to lay down their arms, Libyan state television reported on Monday.
Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tripoli said the offer will play on to the emotions of very anxious rebel forces who don't know how they will be able to put up a fight against Gaddafi's forces, given the overwhelming superiority of his military forces.
"There is an enormous degree of anxiety. It's an all-or-nothing game now," Anita McNaught said.
"If the rebels do not manage to hold out against Gaddafi and establish some kind of protective zone in the east of the country, it is almost certain in the wake of this, there would be some dreadful purge of those who dared to raise their hands against the Gaddafi administration.
"People know that unless they are able to keep Tripoli at bay, that the alternative is almost too awful to contemplate. Those fears apply equally in Tripoli; they are just not expressed as openly as they are in the east."
Last edited:
A Khokar
Voter (50+ posts)
Re: Libya angry over Arab League's no-fly zone vote
The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) backs no fly zone and ask Security Council to give a mandate to the western powers to implement but why not ask the powerful Saudis, Egyptian or Jordanian air forces present in the area.
Starnge enough; the ME autocrats just yesterday opposing No fly zone against Sovereign Iraq; today are backing it against Libya
The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) backs no fly zone and ask Security Council to give a mandate to the western powers to implement but why not ask the powerful Saudis, Egyptian or Jordanian air forces present in the area.
Starnge enough; the ME autocrats just yesterday opposing No fly zone against Sovereign Iraq; today are backing it against Libya
adnan_younus
Chief Minister (5k+ posts)
Re: World talks while Gaddafi massacres his people....
and the world also just talks when israel does massacre as well.... its libyas internal matter... if world and US are silent on israel and they didnt declare no fly zoe during jenin refugee camp massacre... they shud shutup this time also.. let the libyans deal with him and them selves....
and the world also just talks when israel does massacre as well.... its libyas internal matter... if world and US are silent on israel and they didnt declare no fly zoe during jenin refugee camp massacre... they shud shutup this time also.. let the libyans deal with him and them selves....
U.S. open to air attack in Libya against Gadhafi
U.S. open to air attack
Targeted attacks against Gaddafi forces will be able to prevent another bloodbath in Benghazi, believes the research Stle Ulriksen. U.S. open now for military use against Gaddafi.
BY ELISABETH RODUM LARS INGE STAVE COUNTRIES
LATEST: A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department says U.S. now supports the use of "all means" against Gaddafi, apart from ground troops.
- The United States does not want war. But we want to slaughter prevention, "said a U.S. government spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.
According to the newspaper see U.S. authorities for several possible scenarios for military attacks, but not ground troops.
Bomber Benghazi
It coincides with the Battle of rebellion Center Benghazi in eastern Libya comes closer. While Gaddafi-loyal forces approaching the city by road, reports the BBC that the first air strikes against the city has started.
At least 30 children, women and older men to be killed in combat near the town Ajdabiyah in eastern Libya. They died when they ended up in the crossfire between rebels and government soldiers, according to NTB, citing television channel Al Arabiya.
An eyewitness told the channel Thursday that he had seen the dead and was sure they were unarmed civilians. Ajdabiyah located 150 kilometers south of Benghazi, the Libyan rebel movement's main stronghold.
A Libyan rebel wears an ammunition belt in the eastern Libyan city of Tobruk near the border with Egypt on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP / PATRICK BAZ
Bordering on genocide
Muammar Gaddafi forces of the past few days have made great progress against the rebels' headquarters, Benghazi. The dictator has previously called for the rebels terrorists and rats, and has not given signs to show any mercy, if he manages to beat the insurgents militarily.
- It's about stopping something that could lie in the borderland between massacre and genocide, I think Ulriksen, defense expert at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).
He does not believe that the West need to fear a military quagmire, if they get involved militarily in the country.
- There is not much that is needed. We can look for us attack with missiles and fighters crossing against Gaddafi forces. And bomb attacks on airports, "said Ulriksen.
He says the attacks will be far easier to implement before Gaddafi forces have taken into Benghazi.
- The easiest way is to take out the forces that stand between the cities, "said Ulriksen.
According to UN diplomats to the countries of the Security Council agree on a draft resolution on Libya, which is scheduled to be up to the vote on Thursday afternoon.
France, Britain and the United States is now proposing a draft resolution in the UN Security Council, which among other things, advocates a no-fly zone over Libya.
U.S. has previously been reluctant to go in for a no-fly zone, but has turned over the case and believes that this in itself is no longer enough to protect the civilian population from acts of war.
Libyan government soldiers posing for foreign press just outside the town Ajdabiyha, which the rebels had control over. Thursday, there have been conflicting messages about who now controls the strategically important city. PHOTO: REUTERS
No occupation
UN Security Council should consider action against Libya, which goes further than a no-fly zone, according to U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice.
- The U.S. view is that we must be prepared to consider steps that include, but may go longer than a no-fly zone. We are interested in a wide range of measures that effectively protect civilians and increase pressure on Gaddafi's regime, said Rice told reporters after more than eight hours calls on the Security Council on Wednesday night.
Stle Ulriksen think the United States, France and Britain already has the capacity that is needed to implement such an action. The fear that Western countries will end up in a military quagmire, is unfounded, "he believes.
- You do not occupy the entire country, "said Ulriksen, and shows that British troops used a short time to create peace in Sierra Leone in 2000.
Professor of Middle East history at the University of Bergen, Knut Vikr, believes it is only a matter of time before the rebellion is crushed in Libya, and do not think that a fly will change the trend.
- What could the West have done to support the rebellion?
- They could be sent in more advanced weapons and tried to balance the advantage that the regime has. We're talking about, however, untrained soldiers and civilians who control the weapons. The West has failed to keep up with developments, and not quite ready to decide what they would go on, says Vikr.
When the U.S. is now giving his support to a no-fly zone, missing only to convince Russia and China. The two veto powers are reluctant to intervene, and believes this would be to interfere in internal affairs in Libya.
- Russia and China have always been against military interventions guided by the West, and considers this mainly as an internal conflict in Libya, says Vikr
U.S. open to air attack
Targeted attacks against Gaddafi forces will be able to prevent another bloodbath in Benghazi, believes the research Stle Ulriksen. U.S. open now for military use against Gaddafi.
BY ELISABETH RODUM LARS INGE STAVE COUNTRIES
LATEST: A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department says U.S. now supports the use of "all means" against Gaddafi, apart from ground troops.
- The United States does not want war. But we want to slaughter prevention, "said a U.S. government spokesman told the Wall Street Journal.
According to the newspaper see U.S. authorities for several possible scenarios for military attacks, but not ground troops.
Bomber Benghazi
It coincides with the Battle of rebellion Center Benghazi in eastern Libya comes closer. While Gaddafi-loyal forces approaching the city by road, reports the BBC that the first air strikes against the city has started.
At least 30 children, women and older men to be killed in combat near the town Ajdabiyah in eastern Libya. They died when they ended up in the crossfire between rebels and government soldiers, according to NTB, citing television channel Al Arabiya.
An eyewitness told the channel Thursday that he had seen the dead and was sure they were unarmed civilians. Ajdabiyah located 150 kilometers south of Benghazi, the Libyan rebel movement's main stronghold.
Bordering on genocide
Muammar Gaddafi forces of the past few days have made great progress against the rebels' headquarters, Benghazi. The dictator has previously called for the rebels terrorists and rats, and has not given signs to show any mercy, if he manages to beat the insurgents militarily.
- It's about stopping something that could lie in the borderland between massacre and genocide, I think Ulriksen, defense expert at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI).
He does not believe that the West need to fear a military quagmire, if they get involved militarily in the country.
- There is not much that is needed. We can look for us attack with missiles and fighters crossing against Gaddafi forces. And bomb attacks on airports, "said Ulriksen.
He says the attacks will be far easier to implement before Gaddafi forces have taken into Benghazi.
- The easiest way is to take out the forces that stand between the cities, "said Ulriksen.
According to UN diplomats to the countries of the Security Council agree on a draft resolution on Libya, which is scheduled to be up to the vote on Thursday afternoon.
France, Britain and the United States is now proposing a draft resolution in the UN Security Council, which among other things, advocates a no-fly zone over Libya.
U.S. has previously been reluctant to go in for a no-fly zone, but has turned over the case and believes that this in itself is no longer enough to protect the civilian population from acts of war.
No occupation
UN Security Council should consider action against Libya, which goes further than a no-fly zone, according to U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice.
- The U.S. view is that we must be prepared to consider steps that include, but may go longer than a no-fly zone. We are interested in a wide range of measures that effectively protect civilians and increase pressure on Gaddafi's regime, said Rice told reporters after more than eight hours calls on the Security Council on Wednesday night.
Stle Ulriksen think the United States, France and Britain already has the capacity that is needed to implement such an action. The fear that Western countries will end up in a military quagmire, is unfounded, "he believes.
- You do not occupy the entire country, "said Ulriksen, and shows that British troops used a short time to create peace in Sierra Leone in 2000.
Professor of Middle East history at the University of Bergen, Knut Vikr, believes it is only a matter of time before the rebellion is crushed in Libya, and do not think that a fly will change the trend.
- What could the West have done to support the rebellion?
- They could be sent in more advanced weapons and tried to balance the advantage that the regime has. We're talking about, however, untrained soldiers and civilians who control the weapons. The West has failed to keep up with developments, and not quite ready to decide what they would go on, says Vikr.
When the U.S. is now giving his support to a no-fly zone, missing only to convince Russia and China. The two veto powers are reluctant to intervene, and believes this would be to interfere in internal affairs in Libya.
- Russia and China have always been against military interventions guided by the West, and considers this mainly as an internal conflict in Libya, says Vikr
