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Gaddafi's son warns Libyans of civil wars
Source: Xinhua |
February 21, 2011, Monday
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Online Edition
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LIBYAN leader Muammar Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam said in a televised address early today that Libya was in danger of civil wars if the clashes between the security forces and protestors escalate, according to Doha-based Al-Jazeera.
He said that his father was in the country and backed by the army, saying that Gaddafi "was not a leader as (Zine El Abidine) Ben Ali or (Hosni) Mubarak."
"We will fight to the last minute, until the last bullet," he said.
Seif al-Islam said Libya's parliament would convene today to discuss a "clear" reform agenda, while the government would also raise wages.
"We will have to lay down a constitution for the country," he said, pledging to make reforms in future.
Dubai-based Al-Alabiya and Al-Jazeera reported earlier that Gaddafi has left for Brazil or Venezuela, and his son Seif al- Islam took over as the head of the country. But this was not confirmed by any Libyan official sources.
Gaddafi's son said if the situation goes out of control, every Libyan has to carry arms to defend himself, because the country will have bloodshed. "Violence worse than Iraq" is possible if revolt continues.
Seif al-Islam said that it was a plot against Libya, as foreign elements were present in the country.
He said that some Islamic groups were behind the protests and turmoil, attempting to establish an "Islamic Emirate."
He said that Libya is different from Tunisia or Egypt. Any separation will make the country fall back to the situation 60 or 70 years ago. The clashes may cause civil wars in Libya.
Seif al-Islam said 84 protestors were killed in Benghazi, denying early reports of 250 deaths of protestors.
He said that protestors attacked the road-blocks in Benghazi because they were angry. The army and the police were not prepared to battle people. Dozens of protestors were arrested, including some campaigners.
Some protestors in Benghazi have reportedly seized tanks and heavy equipments and worsened the turmoil in the country. Al- Alabiya said a section of troops in the city joined the protestors.
"What's happening in Libya is very dangerous," he said. "How will Libya feed its people if the country falls apart?"
Seif al-Islam said the country is composed of tribes and clans, and oil is the only source that keep the Libyans united.
He also denied the use of mercenaries, saying the reports about this were not true.
Protestors began to go on streets in Libya on Wednesday, calling for an end to Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year-old rule, in an apparent attempt to emulate recent protests in neighboring Tunisia and Egypt, which forced the leaders of both countries to quit.
Internet services were partially cut off in Libya on early Saturday, reported AL-Jazeera.
Libyan envoy to the Arab League resigned yesterday and joined the protests in his country, Egypt's state-run MENA agency reported.
A total of 100 protesters have been killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi by the security forces on anti-government protests, the pan-Arab Al Arabiya TV reported yesterday.
He said that his father was in the country and backed by the army, saying that Gaddafi "was not a leader as (Zine El Abidine) Ben Ali or (Hosni) Mubarak."
"We will fight to the last minute, until the last bullet," he said.
Seif al-Islam said Libya's parliament would convene today to discuss a "clear" reform agenda, while the government would also raise wages.
"We will have to lay down a constitution for the country," he said, pledging to make reforms in future.
Dubai-based Al-Alabiya and Al-Jazeera reported earlier that Gaddafi has left for Brazil or Venezuela, and his son Seif al- Islam took over as the head of the country. But this was not confirmed by any Libyan official sources.
Gaddafi's son said if the situation goes out of control, every Libyan has to carry arms to defend himself, because the country will have bloodshed. "Violence worse than Iraq" is possible if revolt continues.
Seif al-Islam said that it was a plot against Libya, as foreign elements were present in the country.
He said that some Islamic groups were behind the protests and turmoil, attempting to establish an "Islamic Emirate."
He said that Libya is different from Tunisia or Egypt. Any separation will make the country fall back to the situation 60 or 70 years ago. The clashes may cause civil wars in Libya.
Seif al-Islam said 84 protestors were killed in Benghazi, denying early reports of 250 deaths of protestors.
He said that protestors attacked the road-blocks in Benghazi because they were angry. The army and the police were not prepared to battle people. Dozens of protestors were arrested, including some campaigners.
Some protestors in Benghazi have reportedly seized tanks and heavy equipments and worsened the turmoil in the country. Al- Alabiya said a section of troops in the city joined the protestors.
"What's happening in Libya is very dangerous," he said. "How will Libya feed its people if the country falls apart?"
Seif al-Islam said the country is composed of tribes and clans, and oil is the only source that keep the Libyans united.
He also denied the use of mercenaries, saying the reports about this were not true.
Protestors began to go on streets in Libya on Wednesday, calling for an end to Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year-old rule, in an apparent attempt to emulate recent protests in neighboring Tunisia and Egypt, which forced the leaders of both countries to quit.
Internet services were partially cut off in Libya on early Saturday, reported AL-Jazeera.
Libyan envoy to the Arab League resigned yesterday and joined the protests in his country, Egypt's state-run MENA agency reported.
A total of 100 protesters have been killed in the Libyan city of Benghazi by the security forces on anti-government protests, the pan-Arab Al Arabiya TV reported yesterday.
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