Libyan Govt. warns of more ‘action’ after taking over crucial towns
March 11th, 2011 - 2:25 pm ICT by ANI
Tripoli, Mar 11 (ANI): The Libyan government has warned that ‘it’s time for liberation and action,’ after its military assault forced the defeat of Libyan rebels in the town of Zawiya and their retreat from Ras Lanuf.
Amid situations wherein the Europen Union (EU) and NATO leaders are preparing themselves for an emergency European summit on Libya in Brussels, Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, warned that a new offensive would be launched within days, The Guardian reports.
Saif also warned that the renewed offensive would be launched if the rebels refuse to negotiate or lay down arms, adding: “Time is out now. It’s time for action … we gave them two weeks [for negotiations].”
He was referring to offers of a “national dialogue”, approaches to tribal leaders and an offer of an amnesty made by Gaddafi last week. Rebel leaders in the east said they would accept anything other than Gadaffi’s ouster.
Saif, however, vowed that the rebels would be defeated, adding: “We will never ever give up. We will never ever surrender. This is our country. We fight here in Libya.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have reportedly submitted a series of proposals in a joint letter to Herman Van Rompuy, the council president.
Their demands included the immediate departure of Gaddafi “and his clique”, sending a “clear political signal” that the transitional council is seen by the EU as “valid political interlocutors” and for Gaddafi to call an immediate halt to the use of force against civilians.
“This deliberate use of military force against civilians is utterly unacceptable. As warned by the security council, these acts may amount to crimes against humanity. All those involved in deciding, planning or executing such actions must know that they will be held accountable,” the leaders of Britain and France wrote.
Saif, however, warned against western military intervention, saying: “The Libyan people, we will never ever welcome NATO, we will never ever welcome Americans here. Libya is not a piece of cake.” (ANI)
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Tags: adding time, british prime minister, crimes against humanity, david cameron, european summit, europen union, french president nicolas, french president nicolas sarkozy, gaddafi, guardian reports, herman van rompuy, libyan government, national dialogue, nato leaders, nicolas sarkozy, political signal, president nicolas sarkozy, saif al islam, transitional council, zawiya