Gadhafi: Libyans Will Fight Against No-Fly Zone
Video image taken from Libyan state television broadcast shows Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addressing supporters, March 9, 2011
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi says Libyans will take up arms against Western nations if they move to impose a no-fly zone over the country.
In an interview that aired on Turkey＇s state-run TRT television Wednesday, Gadhafi said such a move would lead Libyans to see that Western nations＇ real intention is to seize Libya＇s oil.
The Libyan leader repeated his claim that foreign operatives are responsible for the uprising against his government.
"The world is now in an awkward position because it has discovered that what is happening in Libya, is like what happened in Algeria, Boug Haram, Fatah al-Islam, Afghanistan, it＇s all Bin Laden＇s gangs and al Qaeda, the world is now convinced with this, it＇s convinced, but now the world has to retreat [from its position], but also save face," said Gadhafi. "This is difficult for the world, and I understand this awkward position that the world, [the UN] Security Council and even Libyan ambassadors find themselves in. They believed these reports and did not accept it occurring in their country and some left their embassies, and I would have done the same and resigned if I had heard the same reports.＇＇
Troops loyal to Gadhafi attacked the rebel-held city of Zawiya for a fifth day Tuesday, part of renewed assaults aimed at reclaiming ground lost to rebel forces.
To the east, much of which is under opposition control, Libyan warplanes carried out several airstrikes on anti-government positions around the key oil port of Ras Lanuf. But as of late Tuesday, rebel officials said they still controlled the area.
Anti-government forces are seeking to recapture the city of Bin Jawad, 160 kilometers east of Gadhafi＇s hometown of Sirte, after pulling out in the face of reinforced government troops.
Opposition leaders based in the eastern city of Benghazi initially suggested they made an amnesty offer to Gadhafi, but later denied any back-channel negotiations were under way.
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