History will remember this day as one in which the revolutionaries of the Arab Spring took one of their biggest leaps towards freedom and democracy.
For Tunisia, the birthplace of the uprisings and reforms that swept across North Africa and the Middle East, voters turned out in en masse to cast ballots for a 217-person assembly that will forge a new government and constitution.
For Libya, the day marked the official declaration of liberation by the Transitional National Council and the freedom fighters who ousted the regime of Moammar Gadhafi.
An estimated two-thirds of eligible voters in Tunisia cast ballots 10 months after street vender Mohamed Bouazizi, 26, doused himself with a flammable liquid, set himself ablaze in Sidi Bouzid and triggered the unprecedented and thriving freedom movement.
The breaking point came Dec. 17, 2010 for Bouazizi, when a policewoman unlawfully confiscated his vegetable cart and produce in the city located 190 miles south of Tunis.
His self-immolation triggered street protests across the country that were met with a heavy-handed response by President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali's security forces and secret police.
The thirst for freedom only grew for the Tunisian people, who were already plagued with poor wages, lousy living conditions and out-of-control inflation.
Bouazizi suffered and eventually died on Jan. 4 2011. Ali was toppled 10 days later.
"I congratulate the millions of Tunisians who voted in the first democratic elections to take place in the country that changed the course of history and began the Arab Spring," President Obama said in a statement.
"Just as so many Tunisian citizens protested peacefully in streets and squares to claim their rights, today they stood in lines and cast their votes to determine their own future," Obama said.
Conditions were not much better for the Libyan middle class, even with an ocean of oil under their desert country. Gadhafi used the excessive profits to fill the treasuries of his family, his henchmen and African despots who had pledged their allegiance.
But backed by the most powerful coalition air force and navy on the planet, the revolutionaries were transformed by foreign military advisers from a rag-tag band of spirited, but ill-trained and equipped fighters into a force able to execute one of the most impressive offensives in modern history.
Like Tunisia, the new Libya presents the potential for democratic reform and freedom from tyranny. The TNC has vowed to embrace reform as it seeks to rebuild its nation.
"The transitional authorities can build on this movement by promoting reconciliation and respect for human rights across Libyan society, while helping to prevent reprisals and ensuring the justice and due process that the Libyan people expect and deserve," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement.
"The path to democracy is a long-term process that requires the participation of all Libyans," Clinton added.
It is very, very early to predict how the freedom movement will continue to play out, but the path that the revolution has taken shows signs that Bouazizi's extreme form of protest and ultimate sacrifice was not for nothing.
Showing posts with label Transitional National Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transitional National Council. Show all posts
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Clinton Maps Out Clear Role for Women in a Democratic Libya
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton insisted today that a new Libya must strive to give women a progressive and respected role in its emerging democracy.
At a press conference after her surprise meetings in Tripoli with the Transitional National Council leaders of the revolution, Clinton noted with glee that she has brought up the matter of universal human rights for women more than once in talks with TNC leaders.
The longtime champion for equal rights offered a thorough opinion, when asked, of how Libya should move forward to give women a righteous place in a progressive society:
At a press conference after her surprise meetings in Tripoli with the Transitional National Council leaders of the revolution, Clinton noted with glee that she has brought up the matter of universal human rights for women more than once in talks with TNC leaders.
The longtime champion for equal rights offered a thorough opinion, when asked, of how Libya should move forward to give women a righteous place in a progressive society:
"I would make three points. First, no country can become a democracy, no economy can develop as fully as it could, if half the population is not included. And the women of Libya have the same rights as their brothers and their husbands and their fathers and their sons to help build a new Libya. So we are very committed and very outspoken about what we hope will be the full inclusion of women in a democratic future.
"Secondly, women also sacrificed in this revolution. Women were in the streets. Women were supporting the fighters. Women were sending their sons and their husbands off to an uncertain future, and many will never see them again. So women have sacrificed. They may not have been on the front lines holding a weapon, but they were holding together the society and supporting those who were fighting for Libya’s independence. So they have earned the right to be part of Libya’s future.
"And finally, there is an opportunity here that I hope Libya will seize. I believe because you have won your freedom – no one handed it to you, you fought for it and you won it – that you will find it in your hearts to demonstrate to the entire world that Libya is not only free, but Libya is equal, Libya believes in the rule of law, Libya will educate all of their boys and girls to take their rightful places in the world. I would hope that I could come back to a free, democratic Libya in a few years, and it would be a shining example of what is possible when free people make their own choices.
"So I cannot imagine how that could come to pass if women are not given the right to serve their country, to run their businesses, to be educated to the best of their abilities. So I will certainly look to ways that the United States can support the women in Libya to be able to take their rightful places in this new democratic future."
U.S. Puts High Priority on Rounding Up Gadhafi's Weapons
Even as the Libyan rebels battle for control of the remaining Gadhafi-loyalist strongholds, the U.S. and NATO allies are engaged in swift and serious programs aimed at destroying the regimes' weapons before they get into the hands of arms dealers or terrorists.
Stealthy Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Tripoli since the government of Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown, revealed today the deep concern the Obama administration has for loose arms, including shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles and chemical weapons.
"We will stay focused on security: I am pleased to announce that we are going to put even more money into helping Libya secure and destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons," Clinton said.
"And the Administration, working with Congress, is going to provide $40 million to support this effort. We will also work with Libya to destroy chemical weapons stocks, she added.
Moammar Gadhafi had about 20,000 shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles before NATO warplanes and missiles starting taking them out, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The U.S. wants to corral the shoulder-launched missiles that were not destroyed in the revolution or captured by the anti-Gadhafi forces.
Eventually, the U.S. and NATO will want the TNC to account for weapons on both sides of the revolution.
The U.S. already has invested about $6 million, putting arms-disposal experts on the ground in Libya to track and round up conventional weapons, and funding to two European mine-clearing operations.
The U.S. will oversee the decommissioning and safe storage of weapons in "a months-long effort," Assistant Secretary of State for political-military affairs Andrew Shapiro announced late last month.
"We’re going to continue until the new government of Libya is able to manage the stockpiles on their own," Shapiro said.
On the political front, Clinton, who met with Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, provisional Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril and provisional Finance and Oil Minister Ali Tarhouni, called for clean elections within eight months.
"There are many people who say they support elections, but only if they get elected. They want one election, one time, and then if they are elected no more elections," Clinton told reporters, during a visit that had remained a secret until she arrived in Tripoli.
"So these are all the kinds of challenges that Libyans will face in putting together their democracy. But people must renounce violence, they must give up arms, they must be committed to a democracy that respects the rights of all," Clinton emphasized.
Stealthy Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Tripoli since the government of Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown, revealed today the deep concern the Obama administration has for loose arms, including shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles and chemical weapons.
"We will stay focused on security: I am pleased to announce that we are going to put even more money into helping Libya secure and destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons," Clinton said.
"And the Administration, working with Congress, is going to provide $40 million to support this effort. We will also work with Libya to destroy chemical weapons stocks, she added.
Moammar Gadhafi had about 20,000 shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missiles before NATO warplanes and missiles starting taking them out, according to U.S. intelligence estimates. The U.S. wants to corral the shoulder-launched missiles that were not destroyed in the revolution or captured by the anti-Gadhafi forces.
Eventually, the U.S. and NATO will want the TNC to account for weapons on both sides of the revolution.
The U.S. already has invested about $6 million, putting arms-disposal experts on the ground in Libya to track and round up conventional weapons, and funding to two European mine-clearing operations.
The U.S. will oversee the decommissioning and safe storage of weapons in "a months-long effort," Assistant Secretary of State for political-military affairs Andrew Shapiro announced late last month.
"We’re going to continue until the new government of Libya is able to manage the stockpiles on their own," Shapiro said.
On the political front, Clinton, who met with Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil, provisional Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril and provisional Finance and Oil Minister Ali Tarhouni, called for clean elections within eight months.
"There are many people who say they support elections, but only if they get elected. They want one election, one time, and then if they are elected no more elections," Clinton told reporters, during a visit that had remained a secret until she arrived in Tripoli.
"So these are all the kinds of challenges that Libyans will face in putting together their democracy. But people must renounce violence, they must give up arms, they must be committed to a democracy that respects the rights of all," Clinton emphasized.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Anti-Gadhafi Forces Retreat in Bani Walid and Sirte Amid Fierce Resistance
Stunned Libyan revolutionary forces regrouped today outside the Gadhafi stronghold Bani Walid after fierce fighters loyal to the deposed dictator successfully countered an offensive to take the hold-out city.
The Transitional National Council's army was stymied in part by what its claims is an effort to limit innocent civilians casualties as revolutionary forces move on Bani Walid, as well as Moammar Gadhafi's hometown Sirte.
But the Gadhafi forces are entrenched and well-armed in Bani Walid, about 80 miles southeast of Tripoli. It is one of the cities where Gadhafi may be hiding.
"The Gadhafi loyalists have so many weapons," revolutionary fighter Mabb Fatel, 28, told the Associated Press. “This battle is really crazy.”
In the coastal Mediterranean city of Sirte, even after bombing runs by NATO warplanes, TNC forces face tanks, artillery and clusters of snipers that have prevented revolutionary fighters from entering the city.
In a mostly symbolic victory, revolutionary forces captured the Al-Gurdabia airbase south of Sirte, Bloomberg reported.
Canada, meanwhile, whose commitment to the campaign was to expire this month, has agreed to extend its role by three months.
The Transitional National Council's army was stymied in part by what its claims is an effort to limit innocent civilians casualties as revolutionary forces move on Bani Walid, as well as Moammar Gadhafi's hometown Sirte.
But the Gadhafi forces are entrenched and well-armed in Bani Walid, about 80 miles southeast of Tripoli. It is one of the cities where Gadhafi may be hiding.
"The Gadhafi loyalists have so many weapons," revolutionary fighter Mabb Fatel, 28, told the Associated Press. “This battle is really crazy.”
In the coastal Mediterranean city of Sirte, even after bombing runs by NATO warplanes, TNC forces face tanks, artillery and clusters of snipers that have prevented revolutionary fighters from entering the city.
In a mostly symbolic victory, revolutionary forces captured the Al-Gurdabia airbase south of Sirte, Bloomberg reported.
Canada, meanwhile, whose commitment to the campaign was to expire this month, has agreed to extend its role by three months.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Libyan Rebels Appeal for Aid in Paris; West Wants Fighting to Fade Soon
Updated 4:15 p.m. edt
Rebel posturing on the ground signaled a shift towards diplomacy over rampant fighting in Libya, a gesture welcomed by the more than 60 nations, alliances and organizations meeting in Paris today.
"The work does not end with the end of an oppressive regime," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told gathering and expanding outgrowth of the Libya Contact Group. "Winning a war offers no guarantee of winning the peace that follows. What happens in the coming days will be critical."
Hearing the message of reconciliation, rebel leaders are trying to coax "the sons of Bani Waled" to turn over Moammar Gadhafi, if the deposed dictator, his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi are indeed hiding out in the desert town.
The rebels have intelligence strongly suggesting Gadhafi and his entourage are in Bani Waled, a stronghold of Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah.
The rebels are committed to trying to use kid gloves over an iron fist with the Warfallah. The leaders of the 1-million-strong tribe has long been allied with Gadhafi, but there are fresh opportunities with the city's young fighters who joined the rebel army.
"We cannot attack this tribe because many of our brigades in Benghazi and Zintan are from Bani Waled. The sons of Bani Walid hold the key," Abdel Majid Mlegta, coordinator of the rebel's war room in Tripoli, told Reuters.
The rebels also backed off a short Saturday deadline for Sirte, Gadhafi's hometown and stronghold of his Gadhadhfa tribe. The rebels will wait-out the city for another week, but they intend to surround Sirte and impose a blockade of supplies over the extended grace period.
"We're not in a rush to get in to Sirte. It has no economic importance and we're not going to lose casualties for it. We can cut supplies and wait, even more than a week," Mohammed Zawawi, spokesman for the Transitional National Council in the eastern rebel capitol Benghazi, told Reuters.
NATO airstrikes took out rocket launchers near Sirte overnight and an ammunition storage facility and a military command post near Bani Walid, the alliance reported.
"We are determined to continued with Nato strikes for as long as Mr Gaddafi and his supporters represent a threat to Libya," Sarkozy said at the "Friends of Libya" summit hosted in Paris.
Russia, meanwhile, recognized the TNC as the legitimate government of Libya just before the conference opened. Russia was a leading opponent of military intervention, abstaining in the UN Security Council vote in March authorizing the NATO-led air campaign.
end update
---[
Rebel Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil is opening today's largest-ever gathering of the Libyan Contact Group nations, meeting in Paris to plot a road map for post-Gadhafi Libya.
Co-hosts President Nicholas Sarkozy of France and British Prime Minister David Cameron have invited Western partners, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
European Union, Arab leaders like the Emir of Qatar and the King of Jordan, African leaders, and representatives of Russia and China are also on the guest list.
Jalil plans to discuss the TNC's need for money to get the country up and running, and he also intends to present outlines for new constitution and elections within a year and a half.
Western nations also expect to hear TNC plans for avoiding further fighting and bloodshed. TNC allies were hoping for a long-shot deal, but there are no indications negotiations are moving forward.
The timing of the meeting coincides with a deadline Saturday for Gadhafi loyalists to capitulate or face reprisals from rebel forces massing for attack.
Jabril plans to join Sarkozy and Cameron at a press conference at the conclusion of the summit.
Rebel posturing on the ground signaled a shift towards diplomacy over rampant fighting in Libya, a gesture welcomed by the more than 60 nations, alliances and organizations meeting in Paris today.
"The work does not end with the end of an oppressive regime," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told gathering and expanding outgrowth of the Libya Contact Group. "Winning a war offers no guarantee of winning the peace that follows. What happens in the coming days will be critical."
Hearing the message of reconciliation, rebel leaders are trying to coax "the sons of Bani Waled" to turn over Moammar Gadhafi, if the deposed dictator, his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi are indeed hiding out in the desert town.
The rebels have intelligence strongly suggesting Gadhafi and his entourage are in Bani Waled, a stronghold of Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah.
The rebels are committed to trying to use kid gloves over an iron fist with the Warfallah. The leaders of the 1-million-strong tribe has long been allied with Gadhafi, but there are fresh opportunities with the city's young fighters who joined the rebel army.
"We cannot attack this tribe because many of our brigades in Benghazi and Zintan are from Bani Waled. The sons of Bani Walid hold the key," Abdel Majid Mlegta, coordinator of the rebel's war room in Tripoli, told Reuters.
The rebels also backed off a short Saturday deadline for Sirte, Gadhafi's hometown and stronghold of his Gadhadhfa tribe. The rebels will wait-out the city for another week, but they intend to surround Sirte and impose a blockade of supplies over the extended grace period.
"We're not in a rush to get in to Sirte. It has no economic importance and we're not going to lose casualties for it. We can cut supplies and wait, even more than a week," Mohammed Zawawi, spokesman for the Transitional National Council in the eastern rebel capitol Benghazi, told Reuters.
NATO airstrikes took out rocket launchers near Sirte overnight and an ammunition storage facility and a military command post near Bani Walid, the alliance reported.
"We are determined to continued with Nato strikes for as long as Mr Gaddafi and his supporters represent a threat to Libya," Sarkozy said at the "Friends of Libya" summit hosted in Paris.
Russia, meanwhile, recognized the TNC as the legitimate government of Libya just before the conference opened. Russia was a leading opponent of military intervention, abstaining in the UN Security Council vote in March authorizing the NATO-led air campaign.
end update
---[
Rebel Transitional National Council Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil is opening today's largest-ever gathering of the Libyan Contact Group nations, meeting in Paris to plot a road map for post-Gadhafi Libya.
Co-hosts President Nicholas Sarkozy of France and British Prime Minister David Cameron have invited Western partners, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
European Union, Arab leaders like the Emir of Qatar and the King of Jordan, African leaders, and representatives of Russia and China are also on the guest list.
Jalil plans to discuss the TNC's need for money to get the country up and running, and he also intends to present outlines for new constitution and elections within a year and a half.
Western nations also expect to hear TNC plans for avoiding further fighting and bloodshed. TNC allies were hoping for a long-shot deal, but there are no indications negotiations are moving forward.
The timing of the meeting coincides with a deadline Saturday for Gadhafi loyalists to capitulate or face reprisals from rebel forces massing for attack.
Jabril plans to join Sarkozy and Cameron at a press conference at the conclusion of the summit.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Negotiations Falter with Gadhafi Forces Amid New Claim Despot Cornered
Giving Moammar Gadhafi and his loyalist fighters until Saturday to surrender is not the same a ceasefire for the Libyan rebels.
Several clashes have been reported around Libya and there is a new report in The New York Times that claims Gadhafi may be surrounded150 90 miles from Tripoli in a desert redoubt in Bani Waled.
Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah, a longtime ally of Gadhafi, control Bani Waled, a city of 50,000 people.
Negotiations are underway to try to avoid a battle with Gadhafi loyalists in cities like Sirte, but doubtful rebel forces have been massing there, preparing for a fight that military analysts warn could be tougher and bloodier than the taking of Tripoli.
To avoid bloodshed, the Transitional National Council and its rebel commanders would likely need to display a commitment to immense confidence-building reconciliation measures to ease the concerns of the Gadhadhfa (our chosen spelling among several known options) tribe, centered around Sirte.
Rebel fighters repeated public threats that they will kill Gadhafi have been unhelpful with building confidence.
Moammar Gadhafi is from the Gadhadhfa, a Berber tribe, and Sirte is his hometown. There are believed to be more Gadhadhfa living around Sabha, a city in the south that the rebels would also likely to engage, if there is a battle for Sirte.
NATO would prefer to see an accord than a fight.
The Gadhafi loyalists reportedly claimed they were struck by a rocket attack in Sirte. NATO did not immediately claim responsibility.
The Christian Science Monitor addresses the issue of the UN mandates to protect citizens, calling into question whether fighters from Sirte face slaughter at the hands of the rebels.
The rebels know NATO will not tolerate rampant killings if there is an attack, but they also know the alliance has blessed the TNC. The rebels remain confident NATO is with them.
Several clashes have been reported around Libya and there is a new report in The New York Times that claims Gadhafi may be surrounded
Libya's largest tribe, the Warfallah, a longtime ally of Gadhafi, control Bani Waled, a city of 50,000 people.
Negotiations are underway to try to avoid a battle with Gadhafi loyalists in cities like Sirte, but doubtful rebel forces have been massing there, preparing for a fight that military analysts warn could be tougher and bloodier than the taking of Tripoli.
To avoid bloodshed, the Transitional National Council and its rebel commanders would likely need to display a commitment to immense confidence-building reconciliation measures to ease the concerns of the Gadhadhfa (our chosen spelling among several known options) tribe, centered around Sirte.
Rebel fighters repeated public threats that they will kill Gadhafi have been unhelpful with building confidence.
Moammar Gadhafi is from the Gadhadhfa, a Berber tribe, and Sirte is his hometown. There are believed to be more Gadhadhfa living around Sabha, a city in the south that the rebels would also likely to engage, if there is a battle for Sirte.
NATO would prefer to see an accord than a fight.
The Gadhafi loyalists reportedly claimed they were struck by a rocket attack in Sirte. NATO did not immediately claim responsibility.
The Christian Science Monitor addresses the issue of the UN mandates to protect citizens, calling into question whether fighters from Sirte face slaughter at the hands of the rebels.
The rebels know NATO will not tolerate rampant killings if there is an attack, but they also know the alliance has blessed the TNC. The rebels remain confident NATO is with them.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Rebels Give Gadhafi Forces Saturday Deadline; NATO Planes Still Flying
The rebel government is giving Gadhafi loyalists in the dictator's hometown Sirte and other pockets of resistance around the country until Saturday to lay down their weapons, or else they will be taken by force.
Indications are that rebel fighters are already concentrating on the outskirts of Sirte, about 225 miles east of Tripoli, where many Libyans believe Moammar Gadhafi is hiding.
Rebels "have a good idea" where Gadhafi is, according to Ali Abdul Salaam Tarhouni, a Transitional National Council spokesman.
"We don’t have any doubt that we will catch him," Tarhouni said, stopping short of naming Sirte or elsewhere.
Sabha in southwestern Libya, another of the last remaining loyalist strongholds, is another city where some rebels suspect Gadhafi may be hiding.
Sky News quoted a trusted inside source who said he saw Moammar Gadhafi Friday at the Tripoli compound belonging to his son, Khamis, but he and others fled that location later that day.
The TNC issued its ultimatum today, warning Gadhafi forces they have until the end of the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday to surrender or fight. Eid comes at the conclusion of the Ramadan month of fasting for the Islamic faith.
TNC Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said he hoped negotiations with Gadhafi loyalists would succeed and "avoid more bloodshed and to avoid more destruction and damage."
"It might have to be decided militarily," Jabril admitted. "I hope this will not be the case."
The NATO-Arab coalition signaled NATO airpower will be nearby, flying reconnaissance and combat missions.
NATO spokesman Col. Roland Lavoie confirmed NATO "will remain critically important until the Libyan civilian population is no longer under threat from the former regime."
"As recently as yesterday, our aircraft struck several surface-to-air threats and multiple military vehicles in the area of Sirte, which is considered the last bastion of the Gadhafi regime," Lavoie said today.
The TNC is also calling for neighboring Algeria to hand over members of Gadhafi’s family who fled there this week, including his wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren. The rebel leaders want to the Gadhafi family to face potential charges in Libya.
The rebels claim 50,000 people have been killed in the Libyan revolution, CNN reported.
Indications are that rebel fighters are already concentrating on the outskirts of Sirte, about 225 miles east of Tripoli, where many Libyans believe Moammar Gadhafi is hiding.
Rebels "have a good idea" where Gadhafi is, according to Ali Abdul Salaam Tarhouni, a Transitional National Council spokesman.
"We don’t have any doubt that we will catch him," Tarhouni said, stopping short of naming Sirte or elsewhere.
Sabha in southwestern Libya, another of the last remaining loyalist strongholds, is another city where some rebels suspect Gadhafi may be hiding.
Sky News quoted a trusted inside source who said he saw Moammar Gadhafi Friday at the Tripoli compound belonging to his son, Khamis, but he and others fled that location later that day.
The TNC issued its ultimatum today, warning Gadhafi forces they have until the end of the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday to surrender or fight. Eid comes at the conclusion of the Ramadan month of fasting for the Islamic faith.
TNC Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said he hoped negotiations with Gadhafi loyalists would succeed and "avoid more bloodshed and to avoid more destruction and damage."
"It might have to be decided militarily," Jabril admitted. "I hope this will not be the case."
The NATO-Arab coalition signaled NATO airpower will be nearby, flying reconnaissance and combat missions.
NATO spokesman Col. Roland Lavoie confirmed NATO "will remain critically important until the Libyan civilian population is no longer under threat from the former regime."
"As recently as yesterday, our aircraft struck several surface-to-air threats and multiple military vehicles in the area of Sirte, which is considered the last bastion of the Gadhafi regime," Lavoie said today.
The TNC is also calling for neighboring Algeria to hand over members of Gadhafi’s family who fled there this week, including his wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren. The rebel leaders want to the Gadhafi family to face potential charges in Libya.
The rebels claim 50,000 people have been killed in the Libyan revolution, CNN reported.
Monday, August 22, 2011
NATO Jams Tripoli Communications as Rebels Hunt for Gadhafi
Libyan rebels are searching today for the all-but-toppled Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi who is in hiding now that Tripoli is occupied by the freedom fighters. NATO is believed to be intermittently jamming communications in Tripoli to keep Gadhafi or his remaining commanders from giving orders to what is left of the loyalist forces.
Most of Gadhafi's army -- a force he bragged over the weekend was 65,000-strong in Tripoli -- has scattered and has not engaged the rebels in a major firefight since the opposition took control of a vast majority of the city.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat," British Prime Minister David Cameron said this morning. "Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya."
NATO is firmly committed to seeing the mission through until it is satisfied it's services are no longer necessary.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate," added NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing."
The regime crumbled faster than anyone expected, including the rebels.
President Obama, Cameron and NATO all appealed to the rebels to provide security for the people of Tripoli and not let the city fall under mob rule.
Most of Gadhafi's army -- a force he bragged over the weekend was 65,000-strong in Tripoli -- has scattered and has not engaged the rebels in a major firefight since the opposition took control of a vast majority of the city.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat," British Prime Minister David Cameron said this morning. "Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya."
NATO is firmly committed to seeing the mission through until it is satisfied it's services are no longer necessary.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate," added NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing."
The regime crumbled faster than anyone expected, including the rebels.
President Obama, Cameron and NATO all appealed to the rebels to provide security for the people of Tripoli and not let the city fall under mob rule.
Cameron Says 'We Played Our Part' in Libyan Revolution
British Prime Minister David Cameron's statement on the impending fall of Tripoli:
"I have just come from chairing a meeting of the National Security Council on the situation in Libya. The latest information is that the vast majority of Tripoli is now controlled by free Libyan fighters, although fighting continues – and some of it is extremely fierce.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat. Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya.
"As for his future, that should be a decision for (Transitional National Council) Chairman Jalil and the new Libyan authorities. The situation in Tripoli is clearly very fluid today and there can be no complacency. Our task now is to do all we can to support the will of the Libyan people, which is for an effective transition to a free, democratic and inclusive Libya.
"This will be a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process with broad international support coordinated by the UN – and I am in close contact with partners from NATO, the Arab League and with Chairman Jalil himself. Clearly the immediate priority today is to establish security in Tripoli.
"We are working closely with the TNC to support their plans to make sure that happens.
I spoke to Chairman Jalil last week, and will be speaking to him again, to agree with him the importance of respecting human rights, avoiding reprisals, and making sure all parts of Libya can share in the country’s future.
"And the wider NATO mission which is to protect civilians – that will continue for as long as it is needed. This morning the national security council also discussed the urgent work that needs to be done on medical supplies and humanitarian aid, on diplomatic efforts, and on our work at the UN Security Council.
"Let me say a word about each. First, on the need to support the medical facilities in Tripoli. We have already deployed medical supplies close to where they are needed, and have now released them to the World Health Organization. In the coming days it will be important to make sure the communications networks, the electricity, the power supplies, fuel and water are maintained or repaired where they need to be.
"The Transitional National Council have been planning for this for months and we have been helping with that work. Diplomatically, we have a strong mission already in Benghazi consisting of Foreign Office, military and aid specialists, and we will establish a British diplomatic presence in Tripoli as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. This will include stabilization experts who have been planning for this moment with the NTC for months.
"At the UN, we will also be taking early action in the Security Council to give the new Libyan authorities the legal, diplomatic, political and financial support they need. We will soon be able to release the frozen assets that belong to the Libyan people. The foreign secretary is returning and, with the deputy prime minister, the defense secretary and the development secretary, will coordinate our efforts with the TNC in the week ahead.
"Six months ago this country took the difficult decision to commit our military to support the people of Libya. I said at the time that this action was necessary, legal and right – and I still believe that today.
It was necessary because Gadhafi was going to slaughter his own people – and that massacre of thousand of innocent people was averted.
"Legal, because we secured a resolution from the United Nations, and have always acted according to that Resolution. And right, because the Libyan people deserve to shape their own future, just as the people of Egypt and Tunisia are now doing.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many British pilots, air staff, ground crew and everyone who worked so hard to support the NATO mission and the work of the TNC.
On the pilots – as ever they have shown incredible bravery, professionalism and dedication.
"This has not been our revolution, but we can be proud that we have played our part. There will undoubtedly be difficult days ahead. No transition is ever smooth or easy. But today the Arab Spring is a step further away from oppression and dictatorship and a step closer to freedom and democracy.
And the Libyan people are closer to their dream of a better future."
"I have just come from chairing a meeting of the National Security Council on the situation in Libya. The latest information is that the vast majority of Tripoli is now controlled by free Libyan fighters, although fighting continues – and some of it is extremely fierce.
"We have no confirmation of Gadhafi’s whereabouts, but at least two of Gadhafi’s sons have been detained. His regime is falling apart and in full retreat. Gadhafi must stop fighting, without conditions – and clearly show that he has given up any claim to control Libya.
"As for his future, that should be a decision for (Transitional National Council) Chairman Jalil and the new Libyan authorities. The situation in Tripoli is clearly very fluid today and there can be no complacency. Our task now is to do all we can to support the will of the Libyan people, which is for an effective transition to a free, democratic and inclusive Libya.
"This will be a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned process with broad international support coordinated by the UN – and I am in close contact with partners from NATO, the Arab League and with Chairman Jalil himself. Clearly the immediate priority today is to establish security in Tripoli.
"We are working closely with the TNC to support their plans to make sure that happens.
I spoke to Chairman Jalil last week, and will be speaking to him again, to agree with him the importance of respecting human rights, avoiding reprisals, and making sure all parts of Libya can share in the country’s future.
"And the wider NATO mission which is to protect civilians – that will continue for as long as it is needed. This morning the national security council also discussed the urgent work that needs to be done on medical supplies and humanitarian aid, on diplomatic efforts, and on our work at the UN Security Council.
"Let me say a word about each. First, on the need to support the medical facilities in Tripoli. We have already deployed medical supplies close to where they are needed, and have now released them to the World Health Organization. In the coming days it will be important to make sure the communications networks, the electricity, the power supplies, fuel and water are maintained or repaired where they need to be.
"The Transitional National Council have been planning for this for months and we have been helping with that work. Diplomatically, we have a strong mission already in Benghazi consisting of Foreign Office, military and aid specialists, and we will establish a British diplomatic presence in Tripoli as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. This will include stabilization experts who have been planning for this moment with the NTC for months.
"At the UN, we will also be taking early action in the Security Council to give the new Libyan authorities the legal, diplomatic, political and financial support they need. We will soon be able to release the frozen assets that belong to the Libyan people. The foreign secretary is returning and, with the deputy prime minister, the defense secretary and the development secretary, will coordinate our efforts with the TNC in the week ahead.
"Six months ago this country took the difficult decision to commit our military to support the people of Libya. I said at the time that this action was necessary, legal and right – and I still believe that today.
It was necessary because Gadhafi was going to slaughter his own people – and that massacre of thousand of innocent people was averted.
"Legal, because we secured a resolution from the United Nations, and have always acted according to that Resolution. And right, because the Libyan people deserve to shape their own future, just as the people of Egypt and Tunisia are now doing.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many British pilots, air staff, ground crew and everyone who worked so hard to support the NATO mission and the work of the TNC.
On the pilots – as ever they have shown incredible bravery, professionalism and dedication.
"This has not been our revolution, but we can be proud that we have played our part. There will undoubtedly be difficult days ahead. No transition is ever smooth or easy. But today the Arab Spring is a step further away from oppression and dictatorship and a step closer to freedom and democracy.
And the Libyan people are closer to their dream of a better future."
NATO Secretary General Warns Gadhafi Not To Try Anything
Video and text of NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's statement this morning on the rebel takeover of most of Tripoli and the imminent fall of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"The Gadhafi regime is clearly crumbling. The sooner Gadhafi realizes that he cannot win the battle against his own people, the better -- so that the Libyan people can be spared further bloodshed and suffering.
"The Libyan people have suffered tremendously under Gadhafi’s rule for over four decades. Now they have a chance for a new beginning. Now is the time for all threats against civilians to stop, as the United Nations Security Council demanded. Now is the time to create a new Libya – a state based on freedom, not fear; democracy, not dictatorship; the will of the many, not the whims of a few.
"That transition must come peacefully. It must come now. And it must be led and defined by the Libyan people.
"NATO is ready to work with the Libyan people and with the Transitional National Council, which holds a great responsibility. They must make sure that the transition is smooth and inclusive, that the country stays united, and that the future is founded on reconciliation and respect for human rights.
"Gadhafi's remaining allies and forces also have a great responsibility. It is time to end their careers of violence. The world is watching them. This is their opportunity to side with the Libyan people and choose the right side of history.
"We will continue to monitor military units and key facilities, as we have since March, and when we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate.
"Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing.
"Because the future of Libya belongs to the Libyan people. And it is for the international community to assist them, with the United Nations and the Contact Group playing a leading role. NATO wants the Libyan people to be able to decide their future in freedom and in peace. Today,they can start building that future."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Obama: Gadhafi is Toast; Rebel TNC Must Behave Appropriately
Statement of President Barack Obama
"Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator.
"The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Moammar Qadhafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end. Qadhafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all. Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. A season of conflict must lead to one of peace.
"The future of Libya is now in the hands of the Libyan people. Going forward, the United States will continue to stay in close coordination with the TNC. We will continue to insist that the basic rights of the Libyan people are respected. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya, and to support a peaceful transition to democracy."
"Tonight, the momentum against the Qadhafi regime has reached a tipping point. Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant. The Qadhafi regime is showing signs of collapsing. The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator.
"The surest way for the bloodshed to end is simple: Moammar Qadhafi and his regime need to recognize that their rule has come to an end. Qadhafi needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya. He needs to relinquish power once and for all. Meanwhile, the United States has recognized the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority in Libya. At this pivotal and historic time, the TNC should continue to demonstrate the leadership that is necessary to steer the country through a transition by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya. A season of conflict must lead to one of peace.
"The future of Libya is now in the hands of the Libyan people. Going forward, the United States will continue to stay in close coordination with the TNC. We will continue to insist that the basic rights of the Libyan people are respected. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya, and to support a peaceful transition to democracy."
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
TNC Warned to Conduct Honest Probe, But Allowed to Open US Embassy
The family and tribe of the slain Libyan rebel commander today joined the U.S. in putting the opposition government on notice that it must conduct a thorough and open investigation into the killing or face an unruly crisis of confidence.
The dire warning for the rebel Transitional National Council came as Norway ended its combat role in the NATO air campaign, as promised, after four months. The Norwegians yesterday pulled the last four of six F-16s back home.
Britain, however, made up for Norway’s withdrawal, sending four more Tornado ground-attack jets to replace the F-16s.
Meanwhile, the son of murdered Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes warned that his father's assassination wreaks of an inside job, calling for an honest and detailed investigation to keep his powerful Obeidi tribe from a violent split with the rebel TNC.
"The way he was killed looks like a betrayal, so until now we are trying to calm and control the youth of the tribe, but we don't know what could happen," one of Younes's sons told reporters.
The threat from the Obeidi tribe came a day after the State Department warned the TNC to carry out a credible investigation.
"It's important that, given the fluidness of the situation on the ground, that the Transitional National Council work to ensure that it takes the right kinds of actions, such as an investigation into the death, and sends a clear and transparent message that they speak on behalf of the Libyan opposition and the Libyan people and that they are diligently carrying out their mandate," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
The U.S. still has faith in the TNC, as demonstrated by its decision announced today to allow the rebels to re-open the Libyan Embassy in Washington. The State Department's decision will also give the TNC access to about $13 million in embassy assets that had been frozen.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) predicted the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement hinges on Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's demise, as well as a crackdown on the reign of terror in Syria under President Bashir al-Assad.
The dire warning for the rebel Transitional National Council came as Norway ended its combat role in the NATO air campaign, as promised, after four months. The Norwegians yesterday pulled the last four of six F-16s back home.
Britain, however, made up for Norway’s withdrawal, sending four more Tornado ground-attack jets to replace the F-16s.
Meanwhile, the son of murdered Gen. Abdel Fattah Younes warned that his father's assassination wreaks of an inside job, calling for an honest and detailed investigation to keep his powerful Obeidi tribe from a violent split with the rebel TNC.
"The way he was killed looks like a betrayal, so until now we are trying to calm and control the youth of the tribe, but we don't know what could happen," one of Younes's sons told reporters.
The threat from the Obeidi tribe came a day after the State Department warned the TNC to carry out a credible investigation.
"It's important that, given the fluidness of the situation on the ground, that the Transitional National Council work to ensure that it takes the right kinds of actions, such as an investigation into the death, and sends a clear and transparent message that they speak on behalf of the Libyan opposition and the Libyan people and that they are diligently carrying out their mandate," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.
The U.S. still has faith in the TNC, as demonstrated by its decision announced today to allow the rebels to re-open the Libyan Embassy in Washington. The State Department's decision will also give the TNC access to about $13 million in embassy assets that had been frozen.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) predicted the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement hinges on Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi's demise, as well as a crackdown on the reign of terror in Syria under President Bashir al-Assad.
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Shakespearean Tragedy, Intrigue Surrounds Rebel Commander's Death
The killing of the Libyan rebel commander, who was facing questions over the insurgent eastern army's failure to push west toward Tripoli, is stirring tribal tensions and is embarrassing the rebellion's political leaders.
But the murder of Abdel Fatah Younes also ends a dangerous and divisive rivalry among generals -- Younes accused of being a mole for Moammar Gadhafi, and his successor, Gen. Khalifa Hifter suspected of having ties to the CIA.
"This underscores some of the challenges that the (rebel) Transitional National Council faces. This is certainly one more of them. They've had to overcome many challenges in their struggle. And I think what's important is that they work, both diligently and transparently, to ensure the unity of the Libyan opposition," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said today.
"It's just important to keep that unified structure and to remember that they represent the Libyan people," Toner added. "The ultimate goal here is to lead a democratic transition and remove Gadhafi from power."
Hifter will now likely consolidate his control over the rebel armed forces with the slaying yesterday of Younes, who, along with two other officers was allegedly killed by a gang while he was on his way to answer questions about his army's shortcomings from members of the rebel Transitional National Council.
Like Younes, Hifter was a top military officer in the Libyan leader in the Gadhafi regime until he sought refuge in the U.S. after a Libyan force he commanded in Chad in the late 1980s was decimated.
Hifter has lived outside of Washington, D.C. since the early 1990s, maintaining ties to anti-Gadhafi groups back in Libya. Hifter, who has been accused of having ties to the CIA, returned to Libya earlier this year to help lead the rebel army against Gadhafi.
Younes, meanwhile, switched sides in the Libyan revolution after Moammar Gadhafi sent him home to Benghazi to lead a attack there complete with Srebrenica-like mass executions, but he was distrusted from the outset by some in the rebel ranks. Some people suspected he was a double agent, still working for Gadhafi.
His inability to move the army on the battlefield contributed to a further falling out with some of his subordinates in the military and members of the rebel council.
The rebel government says it has already made one arrest in the killing of Younis, but it is not yet releasing the suspect's name or further details.
However, the TNC will have to be forthcoming, if it wants to hold together the tribal coalition fighting to unseat Gadhafi. The Obeidi, the armed and angry eastern Libyan tribe that Younes belonged to, wants answers to questions about the suspicious killing of the general.
The U.S. would like an explanation, too.
"He is a senior figure, and they've lost both his military expertise and his leadership, and again, it's very unclear who was at fault here. We've seen reports that this was an internal matter. We've reached no conclusions yet," Toner said.
But the murder of Abdel Fatah Younes also ends a dangerous and divisive rivalry among generals -- Younes accused of being a mole for Moammar Gadhafi, and his successor, Gen. Khalifa Hifter suspected of having ties to the CIA.
"This underscores some of the challenges that the (rebel) Transitional National Council faces. This is certainly one more of them. They've had to overcome many challenges in their struggle. And I think what's important is that they work, both diligently and transparently, to ensure the unity of the Libyan opposition," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said today.
"It's just important to keep that unified structure and to remember that they represent the Libyan people," Toner added. "The ultimate goal here is to lead a democratic transition and remove Gadhafi from power."
Hifter will now likely consolidate his control over the rebel armed forces with the slaying yesterday of Younes, who, along with two other officers was allegedly killed by a gang while he was on his way to answer questions about his army's shortcomings from members of the rebel Transitional National Council.
Like Younes, Hifter was a top military officer in the Libyan leader in the Gadhafi regime until he sought refuge in the U.S. after a Libyan force he commanded in Chad in the late 1980s was decimated.
Hifter has lived outside of Washington, D.C. since the early 1990s, maintaining ties to anti-Gadhafi groups back in Libya. Hifter, who has been accused of having ties to the CIA, returned to Libya earlier this year to help lead the rebel army against Gadhafi.
Younes, meanwhile, switched sides in the Libyan revolution after Moammar Gadhafi sent him home to Benghazi to lead a attack there complete with Srebrenica-like mass executions, but he was distrusted from the outset by some in the rebel ranks. Some people suspected he was a double agent, still working for Gadhafi.
His inability to move the army on the battlefield contributed to a further falling out with some of his subordinates in the military and members of the rebel council.
The rebel government says it has already made one arrest in the killing of Younis, but it is not yet releasing the suspect's name or further details.
However, the TNC will have to be forthcoming, if it wants to hold together the tribal coalition fighting to unseat Gadhafi. The Obeidi, the armed and angry eastern Libyan tribe that Younes belonged to, wants answers to questions about the suspicious killing of the general.
The U.S. would like an explanation, too.
"He is a senior figure, and they've lost both his military expertise and his leadership, and again, it's very unclear who was at fault here. We've seen reports that this was an internal matter. We've reached no conclusions yet," Toner said.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Rebels Scoff at Russian Proposal to Let Gadhafi Go Free
Talk of striking a deal that would allow Moammar Gadhafi to step down without fear of reprisal is back.
This time word comes from Russia, where President Dmitri Medvedev is working as a mediator in talks to try to come to a political solution to the crisis rather than Gadhafi's exit coming at the wrong end of a NATO missile.
Russian newspaper Kommersant is reporting that even France is ready to propose a peaceful exit for Gadhafi.
"The colonel is sending signals that he’s ready to leave power in exchange for a security guarantee," a high-placed source in the Russian government told Kommersant. "And such guarantees are ready to be offered to him."
So far there is no word whether this latest round of talks will bear fruit. Libyan rebel leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil signaled he is not on board with the Russian concept for a negotiated solution to the revolution.
"There is absolutely no current or future possibility for Gadhafi to remain in Libya," Abdul-Jalil said in an email sent to the Associated Press."There is no escape clause for Gadhafi - he must be removed from power and face justice."
This time word comes from Russia, where President Dmitri Medvedev is working as a mediator in talks to try to come to a political solution to the crisis rather than Gadhafi's exit coming at the wrong end of a NATO missile.
Russian newspaper Kommersant is reporting that even France is ready to propose a peaceful exit for Gadhafi.
"The colonel is sending signals that he’s ready to leave power in exchange for a security guarantee," a high-placed source in the Russian government told Kommersant. "And such guarantees are ready to be offered to him."
So far there is no word whether this latest round of talks will bear fruit. Libyan rebel leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil signaled he is not on board with the Russian concept for a negotiated solution to the revolution.
"There is absolutely no current or future possibility for Gadhafi to remain in Libya," Abdul-Jalil said in an email sent to the Associated Press."There is no escape clause for Gadhafi - he must be removed from power and face justice."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Rebels Finally Admit to talks With Gadhafi
After weeks of denying there were ongoing talks with Moammar Gadhafi, the rebel government finally admitted there have been back-channel communications aimed specifically at getting the brutal dictator to step down.
Under the terms set forth by the rebels, Gadhafi and his family would never be able to be involved in government, but there is wiggle room that could allow him to remain in Libya.
Those terms are giving NATO allies heartburn, since they want Gadhafi either dead or to face war crimes charges, a European diplomatic source said a short while ago.
The talks have been held in France and South Africa with the knowledge of President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Jacob Zuma. A White House spokesman declined this afternoon to say whether President Obama was aware of the talks.
For nearly a month Gadhafi government officials have been telling reporters that there are behind-the-scenes talks, but the rebel Transitional National Council has denied it. Now the TNC is coming clean.
"We are engaging in discussion with some people who have contact with people from the regime," Mahmoud Shammam, a member of the executive committee of the rebels' National Transitional Council, told The Los Angeles Times at a conference in Beirut.
The talks, endorsed by Zuma, but not by Sarkozy, focus only on Gadhafi's exit.
"We are contacting them on the mechanism of the departure of Gaddafi. We don't negotiate the future of Libya," Shammam said.
The secret talks held by intermediaries vary in content and "depended on (Gadhafi's) mood," he added, according to The Telegraph of London.
So far the talks have gone nowhere, so NATO continues to bomb targets associated with Gadhafi every day, while the rebel army slowly gains ground of its own.
Gadhafi, meanwhile, broke days of silence overnight, warning in an audio broadcast on Libyan TV that the "second crusader war" war would "extend to Africa, Europe and America."
"Go on and attack us for two years, three years or even 10 years. But in the end, the aggressor is the one who will lose. One day we will be able to retaliate in the same way, and your houses will be legitimate targets for us," Gadhafi added.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen responded on the NATO website that it did not pick this fight, Gadhafi did.
"Remember, the Gadhafi regime began this conflict by attacking its own people with sustained and systematic violence, not NATO," Rasmussen said.
Under the terms set forth by the rebels, Gadhafi and his family would never be able to be involved in government, but there is wiggle room that could allow him to remain in Libya.
Those terms are giving NATO allies heartburn, since they want Gadhafi either dead or to face war crimes charges, a European diplomatic source said a short while ago.
The talks have been held in France and South Africa with the knowledge of President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Jacob Zuma. A White House spokesman declined this afternoon to say whether President Obama was aware of the talks.
For nearly a month Gadhafi government officials have been telling reporters that there are behind-the-scenes talks, but the rebel Transitional National Council has denied it. Now the TNC is coming clean.
"We are engaging in discussion with some people who have contact with people from the regime," Mahmoud Shammam, a member of the executive committee of the rebels' National Transitional Council, told The Los Angeles Times at a conference in Beirut.
The talks, endorsed by Zuma, but not by Sarkozy, focus only on Gadhafi's exit.
"We are contacting them on the mechanism of the departure of Gaddafi. We don't negotiate the future of Libya," Shammam said.
The secret talks held by intermediaries vary in content and "depended on (Gadhafi's) mood," he added, according to The Telegraph of London.
So far the talks have gone nowhere, so NATO continues to bomb targets associated with Gadhafi every day, while the rebel army slowly gains ground of its own.
Gadhafi, meanwhile, broke days of silence overnight, warning in an audio broadcast on Libyan TV that the "second crusader war" war would "extend to Africa, Europe and America."
"Go on and attack us for two years, three years or even 10 years. But in the end, the aggressor is the one who will lose. One day we will be able to retaliate in the same way, and your houses will be legitimate targets for us," Gadhafi added.
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen responded on the NATO website that it did not pick this fight, Gadhafi did.
"Remember, the Gadhafi regime began this conflict by attacking its own people with sustained and systematic violence, not NATO," Rasmussen said.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Posturing Congress Likely to Approve Funds for Libya
The House will take up a politically driven bill to cut off funding for the NATO-led air campaign in Libya, but by the time lawmakers are done shadow boxing with themselves they are more likely to approve more money for the rebels -- and here is the rub: It will not be taxpayer dollars.
While an unholy alliance of fiscally conservative Republicans and peacenik Democrats squawk about President Obama's lack of respect for the constitutionally challenged War Powers resolution of 1973, the adults in the Senate will move forward a bill that would allow some of the estimated $30 billion in Moammar Gadhafi's frozen assets to go to the cash-poor Libyan rebels.
The Senate Banking Committee is ready to spring the bill that will help keep the rebel Transitional National Council solvent.
"Under proposed legislation, this assistance could cover the costs of commodities and subsidies needed to maintain basic living conditions among the population—for example, access to water, sanitation, food, shelter, and health care," the State Department said in a statement.
The other member nations of the Contact Group on Libya are trying to slide the rebels some cash, as well, but they have been dragging their feet. The TNC has accused the allies of playing games with their lives by withholding the money it pledged to give them.
Meanwhile, the White House says House Speaker John Boehner's threats to shut down the operation would likely lead to an end to the NATO alliance. The same goes for the lawsuit filed by Boehner's new-found ultra-liberal sidekick, Rep.Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio).
As stated here before on this topic, it is much ado about nothing because even if the measure cleared the House, it would never pass in the Senate, thanks to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) John McCain (R-Ariz.) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.).
"At a time when Col. Gadhafi is under great pressure and our allies are bearing a considerable burden of the effort, it would send a bad message to both Gadhafi and to our friends around the world," Carney said. "What we cannot say with precision is which day will be his final day in power. But we do believe his days are numbered."
While an unholy alliance of fiscally conservative Republicans and peacenik Democrats squawk about President Obama's lack of respect for the constitutionally challenged War Powers resolution of 1973, the adults in the Senate will move forward a bill that would allow some of the estimated $30 billion in Moammar Gadhafi's frozen assets to go to the cash-poor Libyan rebels.
The Senate Banking Committee is ready to spring the bill that will help keep the rebel Transitional National Council solvent.
"Under proposed legislation, this assistance could cover the costs of commodities and subsidies needed to maintain basic living conditions among the population—for example, access to water, sanitation, food, shelter, and health care," the State Department said in a statement.
The other member nations of the Contact Group on Libya are trying to slide the rebels some cash, as well, but they have been dragging their feet. The TNC has accused the allies of playing games with their lives by withholding the money it pledged to give them.
Meanwhile, the White House says House Speaker John Boehner's threats to shut down the operation would likely lead to an end to the NATO alliance. The same goes for the lawsuit filed by Boehner's new-found ultra-liberal sidekick, Rep.Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio).
As stated here before on this topic, it is much ado about nothing because even if the measure cleared the House, it would never pass in the Senate, thanks to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) John McCain (R-Ariz.) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.).
"At a time when Col. Gadhafi is under great pressure and our allies are bearing a considerable burden of the effort, it would send a bad message to both Gadhafi and to our friends around the world," Carney said. "What we cannot say with precision is which day will be his final day in power. But we do believe his days are numbered."
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
White House: Fund Rebels with Gadhafi Assets
Updated at 7 p.m. edt
The U.S. has spent $715 million in existing Pentagon funds through June 3 on the Libya mission, the Obama administration said in a dispatch to Congress today.
There are no plans to ask Congress for any special supplemental appropriation for the NATO-led campaign.
Meanwhile, the memo prepared with the help of the Pentagon and State Department confirmed what senior administration officials said earlier: That the Obama administration is complying with the War Powers Resolution and has stepped as part of an international coalition to stop a humanitarian crisis created by Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"Given the important U.S. interests served by U.S. military operations in Libya and the limited nature, scope and duration of the anticipated actions, the President had constitutional authority, as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and pursuant to his foreign affairs powers, to direct such limited military operations abroad," the memorandum to Congress states.
"The President is of the view that the current U.S. military operations in Libya are consistent with the War Powers Resolution and do not under that law require further congressional authorization, because U.S. military operations are distinct from the kind of 'hostilities' contemplated by the Resolution’s 60 day termination provision," the administration added in the memo.
End update
---[
The Obama administration is working with members of Congress to try to come up with a way to hand the Libyan rebel's governing council some of the estimated $30 billion in assets seized from Moammar Gadhafi by the U.S. Treasury, administration officials said today.
The administration "would take some of those resources" and put it in the hands of the cash-poor, but eventually oil-rich Libyan Transitional National Council, arguing that those billions belong to the Libyan people, a senior administration said.
"We're actively working closely with Congress on that," the official said.
There is already a move in the Senate gaining steam to use Gadhafi's loot to pay for humanitarian aide in Libya.
The White House said it and European and Arab allies are highly confident that the TNC is a pro-democracy government-in-waiting that is opposed to extremist militant Islamists, like Al Qaeda, dismissing politically charged claims from presidential candidates like Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).
The White House indicated the rebels are constantly vetted and questioned by the alliance members, including by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the U.S. envoy in the de facto opposition capital Benghazi.
"We are very familiar with the opposition group," the official said. "It has made positive statements about its commitment to democracy."
The disclosure came as President Obama sent an update on the air war in Libya that some in Congress have demanded.
"This operation has achieved a good deal in just over two months," a senior administration said. "We see cracks in the regime."
The White House also made a spirited defense of its handling of the the military response to the humanitarian crisis, saying it has upheld the War Powers Resolution and will not have to ask Congress for any additional money to pay for the campaign.
There are no boots on the ground, the U.S. stepped in to prevent a further humanitarian crisis and more killings under Gadhafi's orders, and it is a support roll only for the American military, the White House will argue in a report expected to be released shortly.
"We are providing a support role," the official said, noting the White House has provided Congress with regular updates in private briefings and testimony at hearings. "We have not asked Congress for a supplemental (funding)... and have no plans to," the official said.
In a sign that there is no real threat that Congress has the will to wend the U.S. role in Libya, some conservatives like Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) and ultra liberals like Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) instead turned to the courts today, suing the Obama administration in federal court today. They argued the Executive Branch is usurping the constitutionality backed War Powers Resolution of 1973.
“With regard to the war in Libya, we believe that the law was violated. We have asked the courts to move to protect the American people from the results of these illegal policies,” said Kucinich.
White House aides were confident it would counter the charges in the courts, stopping short of calling it a frivolous lawsuit.
The U.S. has spent $715 million in existing Pentagon funds through June 3 on the Libya mission, the Obama administration said in a dispatch to Congress today.
There are no plans to ask Congress for any special supplemental appropriation for the NATO-led campaign.
Meanwhile, the memo prepared with the help of the Pentagon and State Department confirmed what senior administration officials said earlier: That the Obama administration is complying with the War Powers Resolution and has stepped as part of an international coalition to stop a humanitarian crisis created by Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
"Given the important U.S. interests served by U.S. military operations in Libya and the limited nature, scope and duration of the anticipated actions, the President had constitutional authority, as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and pursuant to his foreign affairs powers, to direct such limited military operations abroad," the memorandum to Congress states.
"The President is of the view that the current U.S. military operations in Libya are consistent with the War Powers Resolution and do not under that law require further congressional authorization, because U.S. military operations are distinct from the kind of 'hostilities' contemplated by the Resolution’s 60 day termination provision," the administration added in the memo.
End update
---[
The Obama administration is working with members of Congress to try to come up with a way to hand the Libyan rebel's governing council some of the estimated $30 billion in assets seized from Moammar Gadhafi by the U.S. Treasury, administration officials said today.
The administration "would take some of those resources" and put it in the hands of the cash-poor, but eventually oil-rich Libyan Transitional National Council, arguing that those billions belong to the Libyan people, a senior administration said.
"We're actively working closely with Congress on that," the official said.
There is already a move in the Senate gaining steam to use Gadhafi's loot to pay for humanitarian aide in Libya.
The White House said it and European and Arab allies are highly confident that the TNC is a pro-democracy government-in-waiting that is opposed to extremist militant Islamists, like Al Qaeda, dismissing politically charged claims from presidential candidates like Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).
The White House indicated the rebels are constantly vetted and questioned by the alliance members, including by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the U.S. envoy in the de facto opposition capital Benghazi.
"We are very familiar with the opposition group," the official said. "It has made positive statements about its commitment to democracy."
The disclosure came as President Obama sent an update on the air war in Libya that some in Congress have demanded.
"This operation has achieved a good deal in just over two months," a senior administration said. "We see cracks in the regime."
The White House also made a spirited defense of its handling of the the military response to the humanitarian crisis, saying it has upheld the War Powers Resolution and will not have to ask Congress for any additional money to pay for the campaign.
There are no boots on the ground, the U.S. stepped in to prevent a further humanitarian crisis and more killings under Gadhafi's orders, and it is a support roll only for the American military, the White House will argue in a report expected to be released shortly.
"We are providing a support role," the official said, noting the White House has provided Congress with regular updates in private briefings and testimony at hearings. "We have not asked Congress for a supplemental (funding)... and have no plans to," the official said.
In a sign that there is no real threat that Congress has the will to wend the U.S. role in Libya, some conservatives like Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) and ultra liberals like Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) instead turned to the courts today, suing the Obama administration in federal court today. They argued the Executive Branch is usurping the constitutionality backed War Powers Resolution of 1973.
“With regard to the war in Libya, we believe that the law was violated. We have asked the courts to move to protect the American people from the results of these illegal policies,” said Kucinich.
White House aides were confident it would counter the charges in the courts, stopping short of calling it a frivolous lawsuit.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Chinese Ambassador Meets with Libyan Rebel Leader
There is more bad news for Moammar Gadhafi on the diplomatic front.
A week after Russia flipped on the Libyan dictator and embraced the Libyan rebels, China's ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, met in Doha with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the leader of the rebels Transitional National Council.
"Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhang Zhiliang has recently met with Chairman of the Libya's National Transitional Council Jalil and the two sides exchanged views on the Libyan situation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
"China's position on the Libyan situation is clear, that is, we expect the Libyan crisis can be solved through political means and believe that Libya's future should be decided by its own people," Hong said.
So who does that leave in the Gadhafi camp? The African Union? Syria? Iran? The Klingons?
A week after Russia flipped on the Libyan dictator and embraced the Libyan rebels, China's ambassador to Qatar, Zhang Zhiliang, met in Doha with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the leader of the rebels Transitional National Council.
"Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhang Zhiliang has recently met with Chairman of the Libya's National Transitional Council Jalil and the two sides exchanged views on the Libyan situation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.
"China's position on the Libyan situation is clear, that is, we expect the Libyan crisis can be solved through political means and believe that Libya's future should be decided by its own people," Hong said.
So who does that leave in the Gadhafi camp? The African Union? Syria? Iran? The Klingons?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
NATO Launches Daring Daytime Strike on Tripoli
The war in Libya is entering a new phase that NATO believes -- and hopes -- will lower the curtain on the Gadhafi regime.
The rebel provisional government offered amnesty today to the apparently scared, dwindling ranks of Libyans still loyal to Moammar Gadhafi. The offer came as NATO sent the regime a message in the form of a bold daytime air strike on Tripoli.
Rebels in Misurata have been told French and British attack helicopters will soon join the fight.
"Yesterday two French men, who usually come to take coordinates so that Nato knows where to attack, came to the front. They told me this is the 'third stage'," said Ahmed Ibrahim, a senior rebel said, according to The Telegraph of London.
Hoping the end game (as far as the fighting goes) is in sight, the Transitional National Council dangled a carrot in front of Gadhafi loyalists today: Any defectors accused of crimes before the revolution's Feb. 17 start date will get a fair trial, while those who commit crimes after that date will be granted total amnesty.
"Those still betting on Moammar Gadhafi's regime should wake up to reality and abandon it and join the righteous and just cause," said TNC leader Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, a former judge and justice minister in the Gadhafi regime.
NATO demonstrated with a daytime raid on Tripoli today the confidence it has that Gadhafi forces are worn down and are limping. NATO warplanes destroyed guard towers and storage depots behind the high walls of Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziyah complex.
The strikes began overnight and continued after sunrise, re-affirming the alliance's resolve that the Gadhafi regime is in its final act.
"We are joined in our resolve to finish the job," President Obama said after meetings at the Group of Eight summit of industrialized nations in France that centered on the Libyan conflict.
The rebel provisional government offered amnesty today to the apparently scared, dwindling ranks of Libyans still loyal to Moammar Gadhafi. The offer came as NATO sent the regime a message in the form of a bold daytime air strike on Tripoli.
Rebels in Misurata have been told French and British attack helicopters will soon join the fight.
"Yesterday two French men, who usually come to take coordinates so that Nato knows where to attack, came to the front. They told me this is the 'third stage'," said Ahmed Ibrahim, a senior rebel said, according to The Telegraph of London.
Hoping the end game (as far as the fighting goes) is in sight, the Transitional National Council dangled a carrot in front of Gadhafi loyalists today: Any defectors accused of crimes before the revolution's Feb. 17 start date will get a fair trial, while those who commit crimes after that date will be granted total amnesty.
"Those still betting on Moammar Gadhafi's regime should wake up to reality and abandon it and join the righteous and just cause," said TNC leader Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, a former judge and justice minister in the Gadhafi regime.
NATO demonstrated with a daytime raid on Tripoli today the confidence it has that Gadhafi forces are worn down and are limping. NATO warplanes destroyed guard towers and storage depots behind the high walls of Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziyah complex.
The strikes began overnight and continued after sunrise, re-affirming the alliance's resolve that the Gadhafi regime is in its final act.
"We are joined in our resolve to finish the job," President Obama said after meetings at the Group of Eight summit of industrialized nations in France that centered on the Libyan conflict.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Halal MREs From U.S. Arrive in Benghazi
Crucial supplies from the United States are arriving in the de facto rebel capital of Benghazi.
More than 10,000 field rations from the U.S. prepared in the Islamic tradition (Halal) arrived yesterday as opposition fighters prepare to launch another offensive aimed at sweeping up the oil patch towns and terminals on North Central Libya.
The MREs -- meals ready to eat -- from Department of Defense stocks are just the first shipment of millions of dollars worth of surplus non-lethal U.S. aid being sent to the rebels' Transitional National Council.
"Other items are en route and include medical supplies, uniforms, boots, tents, and personal protective gear, and these are also from DOD inventories," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "We continue to work with the TNC to determine what additional assistance requirements we might be able to support in the coming weeks."
More than 10,000 field rations from the U.S. prepared in the Islamic tradition (Halal) arrived yesterday as opposition fighters prepare to launch another offensive aimed at sweeping up the oil patch towns and terminals on North Central Libya.
The MREs -- meals ready to eat -- from Department of Defense stocks are just the first shipment of millions of dollars worth of surplus non-lethal U.S. aid being sent to the rebels' Transitional National Council.
"Other items are en route and include medical supplies, uniforms, boots, tents, and personal protective gear, and these are also from DOD inventories," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "We continue to work with the TNC to determine what additional assistance requirements we might be able to support in the coming weeks."
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