(Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi's grip on Libyan territory was shrinking on Thursday after reports that the area outside his control had expanded from the east and included some towns near the capital, Tripoli.
Gaddafi appears to have turned to mercenaries from elsewhere in Africa to support his bloody crackdown, the loyalty of his armed forces proving decidedly unreliable.
Here are some details on the Libyan armed forces which totals around 76,000 active personnel, plus a reserve or people's militia of some 40,000:
ARMY:
Numbers: 50,000 including 25,000 conscripts.
Main Battle Tanks - 2,205, including 180 T-90S and 200 T-62.
The rest are in store.
Reconnaissance vehicles - 120.
Armored Infantry Fighting vehicles - 1,000.
Armored personnel carriers - 945.
Artillery pieces 2,421 (including 444 self-propelled, 647 towed).
Mortars - 500.
Air Defense surface-to-air missiles - at least 424.
* NAVY:
Numbers: 8,000 including coast guard.
Submarines - 2 patrol submarines.
=
Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:07am EST
Surface combatants - 3
Patrol and coastal combatants - 14
* AIR FORCE:
Numbers: 18,000.
Combat capable aircraft - 374.
227 fighter aircraft -- 13-Mirage F1-ED, 94 MiG-25, 75 MiG-23 and 45 MiG-21.
Helicopters - 85 Support helicopters
35 Attack helicopters
* OTHER FORCES:
-- There are also Air Defense Command forces which possess at least 216 surface-to-air missiles and 144 towed and 72 self propelled missiles.
Sources: Reuters/IISS Military Balance 2010.
(Writing by David Cutler, London Editorial Reference Unit;
===============
Energy prices: PPP’s political troubles take their toll on the economy
By Shahbaz Rana
Published: February 25, 2011
President’s deferral of decision on oil prices likely to cost Rs24b.
ISLAMABAD: The ruling coalition’s political troubles have forced the government to postpone making a decision on a critical economic policy – whether and by how much to raise petroleum prices in the country – in a delay that could cost the national exchequer billions.
In a meeting with Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh, President Asif Ali Zardari declined to adopt either of the two proposals on oil price increases and postponed the decision until next week, citing political difficulties in announcing any price, which is likely to be unpopular. With the government’s popularity already low, the PPP-led administration feels it cannot afford to alienate the electorate at a time when it is gearing up for what is expected to be a tough political fight with the PML-N-led opposition.
Sources within the finance ministry say that Sheikh put forth two proposals. The first would increase domestic oil prices by 20 per cent, which would allow the government to recoup the cost of international oil imports as well as restore normal levels of petroleum taxes. Over the past three months, the government was forced by popular pressure to reduce the taxes in order to ease the pain of the price hike on consumers.
The second proposal would call for a 10 per cent increase in oil prices, exactly in line with international price movements, but would do nothing to restore the government’s revenues from taxing fuel consumption.
The president ruled out the first option completely as it would cause a sudden increase in retail petrol prices by between Rs12.30 and Rs14.44 per litre, even though the lower tax rates on oil have caused the government to lose Rs13 billion in revenues since November. The second proposal would have raised prices by between Rs5.52 and Rs7.5 per litre.
The president’s failure to adopt either proposal is likely to cost Rs24 billion in lost revenues and potential subsidies to the national exchequer, since prices are only decided once a month. A refusal to decide now effectively closes the window for increasing prices for another month.
Oil prices have surged in the past month owing to unrest in the Middle East. Brent Crude prices have risen from $96 last month to over $111 on Thursday, a rise of nearly 16 per cent, on the London-based Intercontinental Exchange, a commodity trading market. Analysts at Nomura Securities, a Tokyo-based investment bank, fear that a rupture in oil supplies from North Africa could send prices as high as $220 a barrel.
This is not the first time the government of Pakistan has refused to increase oil prices in line with international prices. The last time the government did so was in late 2007, when oil prices reached a peak above $140. The government’s refusal to move oil prices caused a sharp deterioration of the fiscal deficit, which the government responded to by printing hundreds of billions of rupees in order to pay for the oil subsidies. As a result, inflation hit a record 25.8 per cent in August 2008.
Among other consequences of the government’s decision not to move oil prices was the massive build up of liabilities amongst energy sector companies, which caused them to produce below capacity, leading to nationwide blackouts that last for several hours.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2011.
Libyan chaos could threaten Mediterranean economy
Feb 22, 2011 11:00 EST
libya
By Una Galani
The author is a Reuters Breakingviews columnist. The opinions expressed are her own.
LONDON — Chaos in Libya could pose a threat to Mediterranean economies. The unrest in the oil-rich North African country, and the subsequent bloody reaction of its authoritarian regime, could soon present a serious strategic challenge for Western governments and corporate titans that recently embraced the long-pariah state.
But it is Italy, the country’s former colonial ruler, which looks set to bear the brunt of the fallout if the situation descends into uncontrolled turmoil.
Four decades of rule under unpredictable Muammar Gaddafi quite expectedly failed to deliver the Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution’s vision of a “state of the masses” or “people’s capitalism”. In one of the most corrupt countries in the world, wealth from the economy, which accounts for 2 percent of global oil production, is hardly visible among the population of 6 million.
Despite its massive failings, Libya, as other similar countries, has won praise from the International Monetary Fund. The country’s relationship with Western powers deepened after U.N. sanctions against were lifted in 2003. The United States has increased its oil imports from the country, and unsavoury government dealings have helped the likes of British oil giant BP push on with a $900 million exploration contract in Libya.
The country’s strongest external ties, however, remain with Italy. Libya is a prominent feature on the Italian corporate landscape, with stakes in carmaker Fiat, banking group UniCredit and even the Juventus football team. Italian oil giant Eni has a 14 billion euro investment programme in the country, as well as supply contracts stretching to 2047. Overall Libyan oil accounts for around 27 percent of Italy’s consumption.
Threats from Gaddafi’s son that the country’s oil “will be burned” cannot be taken lightly. Even if Libya doesn’t descend into all-out civil war, it can afford a prolonged period of disruption despite its economy’s absolute dependence on oil production. The country’s net foreign assets are estimated to total $150 billion — or enough to cover 37 months of imports.
Italy’s politicians are reluctant to condemn Tripoli, but after the country’s decision to open fire on anti-government protestors, companies will have to weigh the dubious attraction of counting Libya amongst their shareholders. Energy investments could also now be threatened if sanctions are re-imposed. Meanwhile the near 2 percent jump in oil prices seems to suggest markets aren’t overly optimistic.
===============
South Korea's military has been dropping leaflets into North Korea about democracy protests in Egypt and also sent food, medicines and radios for residents as part of a psychological campaign, a legislator said on Friday. www.reuters.com
by Reuters_Natalie Armstrong at 6:22
ReplyMuammar Gaddafi's grip on power may depend on the performance of an elite military unit led by one of his younger sons, according to U.S. and European national security and intelligence officials.
by Lars_Reuters at 3:02
Carney says feasibility will be a consideration as the U.S. weighs options on Libya, doesn't rule out no-fly zone
comment by carenbohan via twitter at 21:44
Is a no-fly zone under consideration for Libya? Carney says he won't get into specifics but a variety of options are being looked at
comment by carenbohan via twitter at 21:44
Obama will speak later today or tomorrow on Libya. The need to evacuate Americans is one complication to the policy.
comment by carenbohan via twitter at 21:44
Why didn't Obama mention Gaddafi by name? Answer: it's not about specific leaders.
by ReutersZengerle via twitter at 21:32
Asked about the possibility of military options in Libya, the White House says it is not ruling anything out
by stephanie.ditta at 21:30
Across the pond, the Swiss government has freezed assets belonging to Gaddafi
by stephanie.ditta at 21:29
The White House expects to take action in near term with international community to compel Libya to stop oppressing citizens
by stephanie.ditta at 21:28
The U.S. says it supports expelling Libya from the UN Human Rights Council
by stephanie.ditta at 21:27
Obama is expected to discuss sanctions and other options with Cameron and Sarkozy during the call
by stephanie.ditta at 21:24
The U.S. is expecting a ferry to depart Libya in the next several hours, depending on the weather
by stephanie.ditta at 21:24
Obama to speak with UK PM Cameron and French president Sarkozy about Libya later today
by stephanie.ditta at 21:22
The U.S. State Department is saying that a U.S.-chartered ferry remains docked in Tripoli with 285 passengers on board, including 167 U.S. citizens.
by Allan Shifman at 21:14
The International Organization for Migration is saying at least 30,000 people, mainly Tunisian and Egyptian migrant workers, have fled Libya. www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 20:47
Anti-Gaddafi protesters shout slogans in Benghazi February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
by Allan Shifman at 20:27
According to cables released by WikiLeaks, the Gaddafi family is riddled by greed, jealousy and ambition, which would often destroy the careers of officials who got in the way. www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 20:22
A Libyan army general scorns the Libyan leader, saying he has an ''inferiority complex''. Travis Brecher reports.
by Allan Shifman at 20:18
Residents and former soldiers of Muammar Gaddafi celebrate inside a military compound in Benghazi February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
by Allan Shifman at 20:04
In an interview with Libyan state TV, Muammar Gaddafi blamed the revolt on Osama bin Laden, and said the protesters were fueled by milk and Nescafe spiked with hallucinogenic drugs. www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 19:59
Here are the highlights from a telephone interview Gaddafi gave with Libyan state television www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 19:47
A Red Cross worker watches evacuees from Libya disembark at the port of Heraklio on the island of Crete February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Yiorgos Karahalis
by Allan Shifman at 19:12
Oil industry sources are saying Saudi Arabia has been in touch with Italian and Spanish refiners to say they will consider requests for extra oil.
by Allan Shifman at 18:59
France's human rights ambassador believes 1,000-2,000 people have been killed in Libya
by stephanie.ditta at 18:50
Have a look at our interactive graphic highlighting protests and unrest in Africa and the Middle East www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 18:45
The international community makes a massive push to retrieve nationals from Libya. Julie Noce, reports.
by Allan Shifman at 18:40
Here's our latest factbox giving a rundown on the makeup of Libya's military www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 18:39
The residents told Reuters the oil and product terminals at Ras Lanuf and Marsa El Brega were being protected. Soliman Karim, a resident involved with helping administer the eastern city of Benghazi, said exports were continuing. A second resident suggested flows might have been affected. The information could not immediately be confirmed from those operating the terminals
by stephanie.ditta at 18:25
Key Libyan oil and product terminals to the east of the capital are in the hands of rebels who have seized control from Gaddafi, said residents of Benghazi who are in touch with people in region.
by stephanie.ditta at 18:24
Keep checking here for the latest pictures of the unrest that's gripping Libya www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman at 18:20
Gaddafi tells Libyans to take weapons from protesters, saying,"The constitution is very clear: take the weapons from them." www.reuters.com
by Allan Shifman edited by Allan Shifman at 19:46
Anti-government demonstrators show hand grenades, which were used by troops loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi while fighting with demonstrators, in Benghazi city February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by Allan Shifman at 18:13
Residents in Benghazi are saying the oil and products terminals of Ras Lanuf and Marsa el Brega are out of Gaddafi's control. They say the facilities are being protected.
by Allan Shifman edited by Allan Shifman at 19:46
Read our latest factbox about countries and companies evacuating nationals and employees from Libya on www.reuters.com
by Suzanne Urpecz at 18:02
A British Royal Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane, evacuating 51 British citizens and 13 of other nationalities from Tripoli, arrives at Malta International Airport outside Valletta February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi
by Reuters_RossChainey at 18:00
Britain urges the world to exert greater pressure on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and the European Union says it is considering sending a humanitarian intervention force to the country. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:58
Anti-government demonstrators walk through a prison, that has been drilled through by demonstrators, to look for prisoners in a gutted military compound in Benghazi city February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:50
@iyad_elbaghdadi tweets: "Gaddafi speech summary? Isarel told Bin Laden to give drugs to your kids. Now ground your kids."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:46
Gaddafi ends his call with Libyan TV by asking the people to take weapons from the protesters.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:40
@tozd tweets: "Gaddafi's speech: 'Those who have taken your children and given them hallucination pills..they have launched a campaign'"
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:39
NATO has no plans to intervene in Libya. Find out more on www.reuters.com
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:38
@crouhananews tweets: "Gaddafi compares himself repeatedly to Queen Elizabeth II, saying he's a symbolic leader."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:36
@dennisjordan tweets: "Gaddafi blames revolt on al Qaeda. Wrong side of history dude -- brutality against innocents has a chance to end; you with it."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:35
Anti-government demonstrators walk past a burnt police car in Benghazi city February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:33
Gaddafi tells Libyans not to be swayed by bin Laden, which seems slightly odd. "I only have moral authority", he says. Is he trying to gain sympathy in the west by blaming Al Qaeda? What do you make of his remarks?
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:32
Gaddafi says “I only have moral authority”.
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:29
An army armoured vehicle is seen at a military airport runway in the eastern Libyan town of Al Abrak February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:28
Ten people killed in fighting in western Libyan town of Zawiyah according to Libya’s Quryna newspaper.
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:27
We'll have a full report on Gaddafi's comments shortly.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:26
More from that telephone call between Gaddafi and Al Arabiya TV, which is, not surprisingly, a tad bizarre. The Libyan leader says people are fighting amongst themselves and are taking drugs. He goes on to call Al Qaeda's Osama bin Laden "the real criminal" for manipulating Libyans and saying "no sane person" would join the protests. He then goes on to call for calm in Libya.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:25
Anti-government demonstrators enter a building in a gutted military compound in Benghazi today. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by ReutersPictures at 17:23
The current turmoil in Libya has slashed its oil output by 75 percent or 1.2 million barrels per day uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:19
Elsewhere in Africa, Reuters' correspondents Khlalid Abdelaziz and Opheera McDoom report that more than Sudanese protesters blocked one of the capital Khartoum's main roads for several hours in a sign of growing impatience with the government's promises of reform and development.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:18
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has spoken to Al Arabiya TV by telephone. He offers condolences to those who have died in the protests, calling them Libya's children.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 17:13
People are seen on an army armoured vehicle in the eastern Libyan town of Shahat February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
by Suzanne Urpecz at 17:04
Some Western governments are considering drawing up sanctions over Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's crackdown on protesters, ranging from freezing assets to imposing a no-fly zone, but will this make a difference? Here's a Q&A looking at the likely impact of sanctions: uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 16:45
A man shows a crater caused by what he says is the impact of a missile fired from a Libyan army aircraft as he stands in front of an old military plane at a military airport runway in the eastern Libyan town of Al Abrak February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
by Suzanne Urpecz at 16:41
Men gesture from the top of an armored vehicle in the eastern Libyan town of Shahat today. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic
by ReutersPictures at 16:40
Gun battles are taking place between forces loyal to Gaddafi and his opponents in Zawiyah, which is just 30 miles west of Tripoli, according to witnesses.
"I heard heavy gunfire in Zawiyah and people were running around in the streets with guns," Hussein Ibrahim, an Egyptian carpenter said.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 16:38
An anti-government protester prays in a state security building taken over by anti-government protesters in Benghazi city. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by ReutersPictures at 16:03
An employee at Libya's Sarir oil field (one of the largest in the country) has told Reuters that he and his colleagues "are working as normal."
by Grant Surridge at 2/24/2011 12:41:52 PM15:41
There are some extraordinary reports coming out of Benghazi, not least this from a Reuters correspondent who was taken to see about a dozen people held in a court building who local residents say are "mercenaries" who fought for Gaddafi. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 12:27:58 PM15:27
U.S. nationals, meanwhile, are being kept in Libya by the weather. Reuters' David Morgan writes: "High winds and seas are preventing Americans and other foreigners from leaving Libya aboard a chartered ferry for a second day, with no change in weather expected soon, the U.S. state department said on Thursday."
The vessel was supposed to be on its way to Malta, and it's unclear how many U.S. citizens are on board.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 12:12:06 PM15:12
The UK Foreign Office's website details its response to the unrest in Libya. Here's the latest situation:
Tripoli:
A charter flight carrying 78 adults and one infant arrived at Gatwick at 0715 this morning.
A FCO-chartered flight left Tripoli at 0745 this morning and arrived in Malta at 0900. It carried 130 adults and 2 infants. It is currently waiting for a new crew at Malta and is currently scheduled to arrive in the UK early evening. There will be a further FCO charter flight departing Gatwick today. Details are being finalised now.
Hercules: A Hercules C130 will depart Tripoli airport this morning carrying at least 50 British nationals. Another Hercules is on standby in Malta if needed.
Benghazi:
HMS Cumberland approaching Benghazi and preparing to dock. We are encouraging British Nationals to go to the port. Capacity is several hundred.
HMS Cumberland will transport passengers to Valetta, Malta. We are unable to confirm precise time of departure. There will be no charge for this assisted departure.
Ferries: 26 British nationals should be departing on a Turkish ferry leaving Benghazi later today. We are looking into contingency plans around using more ferries if needed. British Nationals at the port already may wish to make contact with Turkish Embassy officials to use this route.
UK response:
Numerous FCO staff continue to work day and night to provide the best possible assistance to British Nationals in Libya. We have increased the number of FCO staff working in the call handling centre. We are also looking to activate options around commercial call handling.
We have two Rapid Deployment Teams on the ground in Libya: one on HMS Cumberland helping Brits to get on board, and a team providing 24 hour support at Tripoli airport. We will send more if needed.
Consular staff are at Malta airport assisting passengers. We are sending additional staff to Malta to reinforce our teams already there.
www.fco.gov.uk
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 12:09:52 PM15:09
Egyptian workers fleeing violence in Libya queue to board a bus after crossing into Tunisia at the border crossing of Ras Jdir February 23, 2011. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 12:00:00 PM15:00
With the loyalty of his armed forces proving unreliable, has Gaddafi turned to foreign mercenaries to suppress the uprising? This is a much-talked about subject this week, but with so few reporters on the ground it has been difficult to verify, though witnesses and rights groups have told Reuters repeatedly that non-Libyan fighters have played a substantial role in the bloody crackdown.
Reuters' Political Risk Correspondent, Peter Apps, examines the evidence in this report: uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:51:05 AM14:51
Libya's military has deployed in large numbers in the town of Zawiyah, about 30 miles west of the capital Tripoli, a witness told Reuters. The source reports seeing about 40 army jeeps in the town.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:47:06 AM14:47
Time for a recap of the overall situation in Libya, which is growing increasingly tense as Gaddafi struggles to control widespread protests.
Reporting is by Reuters' Alexander Dziadosz ( uk.reuters.com ):
Muammar Gaddafi was struggling to hold on to power in Libya on Thursday as rebels extended their territory by seizing important towns close to the capital.
The opposition already control major centres in the east, including the regional capital Benghazi, and reports that the towns of Misrata and Zuara in the west have also fallen brought the tide of rebellion ever closer to Gaddafi's power base.
The town of Az-Zawiyah, just 50 km (30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli, may also have fallen. Al Jazeera television broadcast pictures on Thursday of what it said was a burning police station there.
The brief, grainy pictures were followed by footage of around 20 bodies, most with their hands tied behind their backs. The satellite station said the men had been shot for refusing to shoot protesters.
Al Arabiya television said Gaddafi would address residents of the town shortly.
The uprising has virtually wiped out Libyan oil exports, said the head of Italy's ENI, Libya's biggest foreign oil operator. The unrest has driven world oil prices up to around $117 a barrel, stoking concern about the economic recovery.
Anti-government militias are in control of Zuara, about 120 km west of Tripoli, fleeing Egyptian construction workers who crossed into Tunisia told Reuters on Thursday.
There was no sign of police or military and the town was controlled by "popular committees" armed with automatic weapons.
Separately, lawyers and judges said they had the coastal city of Misrata, 200 km east of Tripoli, in their grip, according to an Internet statement. With help from "honest" military officers, they had removed agents of the "oppressive regime" in Misrata, said the statement, which could not immediately be verified.
World leaders condemned Gaddafi's bloody crackdown on the week-long revolt that has split Libya, but did little to halt the bloodshed from the latest upheaval reshaping the Arab world.
U.S. President Barack Obama made his first public comments, condemning as "outrageous" and "unacceptable" attacks on protesters that have killed hundreds in 10 days.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:39:46 AM14:39
Reuters' Hamid Ould Ahmed reports:
"Security forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Thursday attacked anti-government militias controlling the town of Misrata and killed several people, a witness told Reuters by telephone.
Misrata is about 200 km (124 miles) east of Tripoli. The witness, called Mohamed, said the fighting was taking place near Misrata's airport.
"The (pro-Gaddafi) brigade has managed to control the site but we are still trying to push it back. The clashes are still taking place at the moment," he said.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:35:26 AM14:35
The Guardian's Martin Chulov (@martinchulov) tweets: "Ghaddafi controls very little of the country no. All areas east of Ras Lanuf have fallen." Here is a link to a map of the area he is talking about. bit.ly
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:20:48 AM14:20
Pro-Gaddafi forces aren't giving up the town of Misrata without a fight, it seems. A witness tells Reuters that protesters were attacked near the town and several people were killed. Clashes are also continuing near Misrata airport but the centre of town remains under control of anti-Gaddafi forces.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:14:30 AM14:14
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will address residents of the town of Az-Zawiyah shortly, according to Al Arabiya TV.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:12:57 AM14:12
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:08:59 AM14:08
A man and a boy are seen near burnt vehicles in a state security building in Tobruk, east of Libya February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:05:16 AM14:05
Major banks have warned OPEC needs to act quickly to arrest the oil price rally.
Brent oil prices have jumped by over $8.50 a barrel to as high as $119.79 a barrel as oil firms say they halted output in Libya because of the unrest, with over a quarter of output of the OPEC member now estimated to be lost. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 11:04:02 AM14:04
A bomb has gone off during a protest march in southern Yemen, killing one person and wounding two, according to a local official. The explosion occurred in the town of Lawdar, which is a hotbed of secessionist sentiment.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:21:10 AM13:21
UK Prime Minister David Cameron has apologised for his government's handling of the evacuation of British personal from Libya. He says lessons should be learned, the BBC reports.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:17:17 AM13:17
@Martinchulov: "Central hospital in Benghazi was used as a pro govt command post. All loyalists have fled."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:07:35 AM13:07
Martin Chulov, the first foreign journalist to reach Benghazi, tweets (@martinchulov): "This revolution being led by Benghazi's professionals. Laywers, doctors and engineers. Command centre in the sacked court house."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:07:01 AM13:07
A woman reacts as she is reunited with a man who arrived on a flight from Tripoli in Libya, chartered by oil company BP, at Gatwick Airport, south of London February 24, 2011. REUTERS/Chris Helgren
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:04:17 AM13:04
More now on the western Libyan town of Zuara falling into the hands of anti-Gaddafi supporters:
"Anti-government militias are in control of the Libyan town of Zuara, about 120 km (75 miles) west of the capital, Egyptian workers who crossed into neighbouring Tunisia told Reuters on Thursday.
The workers, who said they were based on a construction site in Zuara until they fled the country, said there was no sign of police or military and the town was controlled by "popular committees" armed with automatic weapons."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 10:02:21 AM13:02
In Yemen, meanwhile, President Ali Abdullah Saleh has ordered his security forces to protect demonstrators trying to end his 32-year rule.
A statement, relayed by the Yemeni press attache in Washington, said Saleh had "demanded security services to offer full protection for the demonstrators."
"Late this evening (Wednesday) ... Saleh instructed all security services to thwart all clashes and prevent direct confrontation between pro- and anti-government protesters..." uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 9:43:53 AM12:43
Cobra, the UK government's emergency planning committee, is set to meet later this morning, presumably to discuss how to get remaining Brits out of Libya.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 9:38:08 AM12:38
Hague's earlier comments were made on BBC Radio 4 this morning. Here they are in full:
"It has to be said that the odds are stacking heavily against him [Gaddafi] and I think it will be important for all of us internationally over the coming days to increase the pressure on a regime which by all accounts is now committing serious offences."
"We will be looking for ways to hold to account people who are responsible for these things and they should bear that in mind before they order any more of them."
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 9:18:55 AM12:18
Egyptian workers fleeing Libya say anti-Gaddafi militias now control the town of Zuara, just 120km west of capital city Tripoli.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 9:17:36 AM12:17
Europe shares fall for 4th day as turmoil in Libya drove oil prices higher and fueled investor concern about the impact on global growth. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 9:12:22 AM12:12
Goldman Sachs says oil markets are being driven by a fear of the unrest in Libya spreading to other nations and that another disruption could create severe oil shortages and lead to demand rationing. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:55:33 AM11:55
Some oil news tied to the unrest in Libya. The threat of contagion to other oil producing countries in the region has driven Brent crude to a 29-month high above $113, fuelling worries about slower global growth and knocking Asian shares lower. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:39:35 AM11:39
Hague also says the UK will want an international investigation into the violence in Libya.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:28:01 AM11:28
Foreign Secretary William Hague says the odds are now heavily stacked against Muammar Gaddafi and the world must step up pressure on the Libyan government.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:20:52 AM11:20
France, meanwhile, has reissued its call for sanctions following Gaddafi's bloody crackdown on Libyan protesters. Defence Minister Alain Juppe said he hopes Muammar Gaddafi's time as leader is coming to an end. "I hope wholeheartedly Gaddafi is living his last moments as leader", he said.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:07:08 AM11:07
The British government has refused to rule out using armed forces to rescue Britons stranded in Libya. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 8:02:38 AM11:02
Reuters correspondent Marwa Awad writes that the Libyan government has called on protesters to surrender their weapons and is offering rewards for those who inform on protest leaders. This was announced in a statement on Libyan TV.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 7:40:33 AM10:40
BBC also reports that a British Special Forces unit has also been put on standby to assist with any possible rescue situation.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 7:31:51 AM10:31
BBC reports a plane bringing UK nationals back from Libya has just landed at Heathrow. There are apparently 120 passengers on board.
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 7:18:20 AM10:18
Here in the UK there has been much criticism of the government's response to the plight of Britons stranded in Libya. Foreign Secretary William Hague announced on monday that a charter jet would fly to Tripoli to bring these nationals home but, according to this morning's Daily Telegraph, this didn't happen until late yesterday after the government had to 'borrow' a plane from BP. www.telegraph.co.uk
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 6:36:27 AM9:36
The Guardian has this report from the "first foreign journalist to reach Benghazi", sees how Muammar Gaddafi's bid to cling to power has apparently failed www.guardian.co.uk
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 6:31:14 AM9:31
Al Qaeda's North African wing has condemned Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and expressed solidarity with protesters revolting against his rule, the SITE Intelligence Group quoted it as saying on Thursday. uk.reuters.com
by Reuters_RossChainey at 2/24/2011 6:19:18 AM9:19
According to a statement, Yemen's President Saleh has ordered security forces to "protect demonstrators" www.reuters.com
by Reuters_IreneKuan at 2/24/2011 5:40:14 AM8:40
by Reuters_Natalie Armstrong at 2/24/2011 3:48:23 AM6:48
World grapples for response as battles divide Libya www.reuters.com
by Reuters_Natalie Armstrong at 2/24/2011 3:47:14 AM6:47
A protester looks at the pictures of protesters who were killed during the last few days during the uprising against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in Benghazi city, Libya, February 23, 2011. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih
by Reuters_Helen Cook at 2/24/2011 12:14:45 AM3:14
"The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya." Here's what else President Obama had to say about Libya: www.reuters.com
by Reuters_Helen Cook at 2/24/2011 12:12:20 AM3:12
Obama says U.S. preparing full range of options on Libya www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 10:37:00 PM1:37
Obama also said he has asked his advisers to prepare a full range of options to deal with the crisis in #libya www.reuters.com
comment by steveholland1 via twitter edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:15:21 PM1:15
Obama says the change taking place in North Africa and the Middle East is driven by the people, not the U.S. or other foreign powers www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:13:45 PM1:13
Secretary of State Clinton to travel to Geneva on Monday to attend human rights meeting www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:11:22 PM1:11
The president says the Libyan government must be held accountable if it fails to meet responsibilities to its people www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:10:40 PM1:10
Obama calls for end to violence and says it is imperative that world speak with one voice on Libya www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:09:55 PM1:09
The president says the suffering and bloodshed in Libya is "outrageous" and violates international norms www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:09:01 PM1:09
Obama says national security team has been "working around the clock" on Libya www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:07:55 PM1:07
President Obama says doing "everything we can" to protect American citizens in Libya www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta edited by Lars_Reuters at 2/23/2011 10:07:25 PM1:07
As the city of Tobruk is added to the list of cities slipping from the grasp of Gaddafi many are crowding Libya's airports trying to flee the turmoil. Maryam Ishani reports.
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 9:34:38 PM0:34
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will play a major role in any regime formed in the country but new blood will need to take over direct control and introduce reform, his son told the Financial Times on Wednesday. www.reuters.com
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 9:27:39 PM0:27
"Life is normal, the ports, schools and airports are all open. The problem lies in the eastern regions," Saif al-Islam Gaddafi told Libyan television while touring the station's offices. "Life is normal ... Brothers, Libyans should come together in this national battle."
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 9:03:26 PM0:03
Libyan ports and airports are "all open" and life is "normal", the son of leader Muammar Gaddafi said on Wednesday.
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 9:03:13 PM0:03
Obama to speak on Libya situation at 5:15 pm EST
by stephanie.ditta at 2/23/2011 8:47:46 PM2/23/2011 23:47
Clinton encouraging Americans to leave Libya
Gaddafi blames unrest on al-Qaeda
Libyan leader says protesters are young people being manipulated by al-Qaeda, as violence continues across the country.
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2011 16:02 GMT
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Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has said in a speech on Libyan state television that al-Qaeda is responsible for the uprising in Libya.
"It is obvious now that this issue is run by al-Qaeda," he said, speaking by phone from an unspecified location on Thursday.
He said that the protesters were young people who were being manipulated by al-Qaeda's Osama bin Laden, and that many were doing so under the influence of drugs.
"No one above the age of 20 would actually take part in these events," he said. "They are taking advantage of the young age of these people [to commit violent acts] because they are not legally liable!"
At the same time, the leader warned that those behind the unrest would be prosecuted in the country's courts.
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He called on Libyan parents to keep their children at home.
"How can you justify such misbehaviour from people who live in good neighbourhoods?" he asked.
The situation in Libya was different to Egypt or Tunisia he said, arguing that unlike people in the neighbouring countries, Libyans have "no reason to complain whatsoever".
Libyans had easy access to low interest loans and cheap daily commodities, he argued. The one reform he did hint might be possible was a raise in salaries.
'Symbolic' leader
Gaddafi argued that he was a purely "symbolic" leader with no real political power, comparing his role to that played by Queen Elizabeth II in England.
He also warned that the protests could cut off Libya oil production. "If [the protesters] do not go to work regularly, the flow of oil will stop," he said.
Ibrahim Jibreel, a Libyan political activist, said that the fact that Gaddafi was speaking by phone showed that he did not have the courage to appear publically, and proved that he remained "under self-imposed house arrest in Tripoli".
Jibreel said there were similarities between Thursday's speech and one Gaddafi gave earlier in the week.
"The theme of people who have taken pills and hallucinations is one that continues to occur," he said.
Jibreel noted Gaddafi's reference to loans and that he would reconsider salaries. "I think that there [are] some concessions that he wants to make, in his own weird way," he said.
Struggling
Gaddafi is struggling to maintain his authority in the country, as major swathes of territory in the east of the vast North African country now appear to be under the control of pro-democracy protesters.
Follow more of Al Jazeera's special coverage here
Ali, an eyewitness to the shooting, told Al Jazeera by phone that soldiers began shooting at peaceful protesters on Martyrs' Square with heavy artillery at around 6am and had continued for 5 hours.
"They were trying to kill the people, not terrify them," he said, explaining that the soldiers had aimed at the protesters' heads and chests.
He estimated as many as 100 protesters had been killed. Approximately 400 people had been injured and were now in the town's hospital. He said he had filmed the bodies after the shooting had stopped, but was unable to send the footage because internet access has been cut off.
"The people here didn't ask for anything, they just asked for a constitution and democracy and freedom, they didn't want to shoot anyone," he said.
Gunfire could be heard in the background as Ali spoke, and he said the protesters were expecting the soldiers to launch another direct attack on Martyrs' Square later in the evening.
Despite the risk of more shooting, he said he and the other protesters would continue their protest, even if it cost their lives.
Mosque 'attacked'
Also on Thursday, a Libyan army unit led by Gaddafi's ally, Naji Shifsha, blasted the minaret of a mosque being occupied by protesters in Az Zawiyah, according to witnesses.
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Libya ProtestsJnoubiyeh The death toll keeps rising in #Libya. At least 500 Libyans are estimated to have been murdered by #Gaddafi since the uprising began. #Feb17
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According to witnesses, pro-Gaddafi forces also attacked the town of Misrata, which was under the control of protesters.
They told Al Jazeera that "revolutionaries had driven out the security forces", who had used "heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft guns".
They said the pro-Gaddafi forces were called the "Hamza brigade".
Similar clashes have also been reported in the cities of Sabha in the south, and Sabratha, near Tripoli, which is in the west.
Anti-government protesters appeared to be in control of the country's eastern coastline, running from the Egyptian border through to the cities of Tobruk and Benghazi, the country's second largest city.
Ahmed Gadhaf al-Dam, one of Gaddafi's top security official and a cousin, defected on Wednesday evening, saying in a statement issued by his Cairo office that he left the country "in protest and to show disagreement" with "grave violations to human rights and human and international laws".
Al-Dam was travelling to Syria from Cairo on a private plane, sources told Al Jazeera. He denied allegations that he was asked to recruit Egyptian tribes on the border to fight in Libya and said he went to Egypt in protest against his government's used of violence.
Communications blocked
Libyan authorities are working hard to prevent news of the events in the country from reaching the outside world.
Thuraya, a satellite phone provider based in the United Arab Emirates, has faced continuous "deliberate inference" to its services in Libya, the company's CEO told Al Jazeera.
Samer Halawi, the company's CEO, said his company will be taking legal action against the Libyan authorities for the jamming of its satellite.
"This is unlawful and this in uncalled for," he said.
The company's engineers have had some success in combating the jamming, and operations were back on almost 70 per cent of the Libyan territory on Thursday, Halawi said. The blocking was coming from a location in Tripoli.
The Libyan government has blocked landline and wireless communications, to varying degrees, in recent days.
Some phone services were down again on Thursday. In the town of Az Zawiyah, phone lines were working but internet access was blocked.
Nazanine Moshri, reporting from the northern side of the Tunisian-Libyan border near the town of Ras Ajdir, said that security forces were confiscating cellphones and cameras from people crossing into Tunisia.
"The most important thing to them is to not allow any footage to get across the border into Tunisia," she reported.
Capital paralysed
Tripoli, the Libyan capital, meanwhile, is said to be virtually locked down, and streets remained mostly deserted, even though Gaddafi had called for his supporters to come out in force on Wednesday and "cleanse" the country from the anti-government demonstrators.
Libyan authorities said food supplies were available as "normal" in the shops and urged schools and public services to restore regular services, although economic activity and banks have been paralysed since Tuesday.
London-based newspaper the Independent reported, however, that petrol and food prices in the capital have trebled as a result of serious shortages.
Foreign governments, meanwhile, continue to rush to evacuate their citizens, with thousands flooding to the country's borders with Tunisia and Egypt.
===================
Gaddafi daughter denies fleeing
Aisha Gaddafi, the daughter of the Libyan leader, appears on state TV to deny reports that she tried to flee to Malta.
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2011 04:51 GMT
Two Libyan air force pilots had earlier landed their fighter jets in Malta, saying they refused to fire on Libyans [AFP]
Aisha Gaddafi, the daughter of Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, has appeared on state television, denying a report she tried to flee to Malta.
There had been reports on Wednesday that a Libyan plane carrying Gaddafi's daughter had been turned back from Malta after it was denied permission to land.
Speaking late on Wednesday, Aisha Gaddafi, said: "I was surprised when my friends told me about this report.
"I would like to sayto the Libyan men and women who I love and love me, that know me well, that I am steadfastly here.
"In fact this demonstrates to the Libyan people the extent of lies and forgery these channels are resorting to in their reporting."
Earlier on Wednesday, Cal Perry, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Malta, said: "The [crew] initially said they had 14 people on board. They were circling overhead saying they were running low on fuel.
"At that point the ambassador from Libya who was here in Malta was called in to take part in the negotiations on whether or not they were going to allow this plane to land.
"As he entered the talks it became clear from the pilots that Aisha Gaddhafi, Muammar Gaddhafi's only daughter, was aboard the plane.
"The government said it was an unscheduled flight, it doesn't matter who is on board; they said it cannot land and diverted the plane back to Libya."
Maltese government sources said that they had no information that Gaddadfi's daughter was on the plane or that the Libyan ambassador was involved in any negotiations.
Other relatives
Libya has been in turmoil since mass protests broke out against Gaddafi's 42-year-old rule in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi more than a week ago.
The protests, which have spread to other cities despite the authorities cracking down on the protesters, is the biggest challenge that Gaddafi has faced during his long rule. The protesters now control much of the country and many senior officials have deserted Gaddafi.
Wednesday's reports of the alleged attempted landing on Malta fueled speculation over whether family members of Gaddafi sought to flee.
The attempted landing came a day after a private Libyan jet carrying the Lebanese wife of one of Gaddafi's sons was prevented from landing at Beirut airport in Lebanon, the Voice of Lebanon radio reported on Wednesday.
It said Hannibal Gaddafi's wife and several members of the Libyan ruling family were aboard the jet that was denied permission to land at Rafik Hariri international airport on Tuesday.
Several Libyan regime figures could have been among the plane's passengers, the radio station said.
Lebanon's Safir daily said that the plane was due to take off from the Libyan capital before midnight but Lebanese authorities asked Libya to unveil the identity of the 10 people on board before allowing the jet to land.
When the Libyans ignored the Lebanese request, authorities in Beirut ordered airport officials to ask the pilot to divert the plane to a nearby country, either Syria or Cyprus.
======================
19 Feb 2011 03:02
Source: reuters // Reuters
* Protests appear largely confined to east
* Al Jazeera says broadcasts jammed, website blocked
* Oil cash to smooth over social problems
TRIPOLI, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Libya's veteran ruler, Muammar Gaddafi, faces one of his severest challenges amid protests by thousands in the second city of Benghazi and reports that more than 40 people have been killed by security forces.
The demonstrations on Friday against his four decades in power were unprecedented with Amnesty International saying 46 people had been killed in a three-day police crackdown.
Any new funerals of dead protesters would likely act as further flashpoints for demonstrators emboldened by uprisings in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt that toppled long-ruling presidents.
While the unrest has not previously been seen before in the oil exporter, Libya-watchers say the situation is different from Egypt, because Gaddafi has oil cash to smooth over social problems. Gaddafi is also respected in much of the country, though less so in the Cyrenaica region around Benghazi.
"For sure there is no national uprising," said Noman Benotman, a former opposition Libyan Islamist who is based in Britain but is currently in Tripoli.
"I don't think Libya is comparable to Egypt or Tunisia. Gaddafi would fight to the very last moment," he said by telephone from the Libyan capital.
Tight government control and media restrictions have limited the amount of information emerging about the unrest.
Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera said its signal was being jammed on several frequencies and its website had been blocked in Libya.
Amnesty quoted sources at a hospital in Benghazi, the focus for the violence, as saying the most common injuries were gunshot wounds to the head, chest and neck. Officials have given no death toll, or commented directly on the unrest.
"This alarming rise in the death toll, and the reported nature of the victims' injuries, strongly suggests that security forces are permitted lethal use of force against unarmed protesters calling for political change," Amnesty said.
EASTERN LIBYA FOCUS OF PROTESTS
The privately owned Quryna newspaper said that in Benghazi thousands of residents had gathered on Friday for the funeral processions of 14 protesters killed in clashes there. Thousands more had demonstrated in front of Benghazi court building.
Opposition activists said protesters fought troops for control of the nearby town of Al Bayda, scene of some of the worst violence over the past two days, where townspeople said they were burying 14 people who were killed in earlier clashes.
Residents said that by Friday evening the streets were calm but there were conflicting accounts about whether opposition activists or security forces were in control of the town.
Ashour Shamis, a London-based Libyan journalist, said protesters had stormed Benghazi's Kuwafiyah prison and freed dozens of political prisoners. Quryna said 1,000 prisoners had escaped and 150 had been recaptured.
The unrest though was not on a national scale with most protests confined to the east around Benghazi, where support for Gaddafi has traditionally been weak. There were no reliable reports of major protests elsewhere, and state media said there had been pro-Gaddafi rallies in the capital.
CALM IN TRIPOLI
Quryna newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying the General People's Congress, or parliament, would adopt a "major shift" in government policy including appointing new people to senior positions. It gave no details and the sources could not be clarified.
A sermon at Friday prayers in Tripoli, broadcast on state television, urged people to ignore reports in foreign media "which doesn't want our country to be peaceful, which ... is the aim of Zionism and imperialism, to divide our country".
Text messages sent to mobile phone subscribers thanked people who ignored calls to join protests. "We congratulate our towns which understood that interfering with national unity threatens the future of generations," it said.
Two people in Benghazi, which is about 1,000 km (600 miles) east of Tripoli, told Reuters early in the day that Saadi Gaddafi, a son of the Libyan leader and ex-professional soccer player in Italy, had taken over command of the city. (Additional reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed in Algiers, William Maclean in London and Geneva bureau; Writing by Matthew Jones; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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