Libyan Rebels Look for a Cease-Fire
Libyan rebel fighters say they will agree to a cease-fire in their battle against Moammar Gadhafi's forces if the government pulls its military away from opposition-held cities and allows peaceful protests against the regime.
Libyan rebel fighters say they will agree to a cease-fire in their battle against Moammar Gadhafi’s forces if the government pulls its military away from opposition-held cities and allows peaceful protests against the regime.–JCL
Wait, before you go…Al-Jazeera English:
Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, head of the opposition’s interim governing council based in Benghazi, spoke during a joint press conference on Friday with Abdelilah Al-Khatib, the UN envoy. Al-Khatib is visiting the rebels’ de facto stronghold of Benghazi in hopes of reaching a political solution to the crisis embroiling the North African nation.
Abdul-Jalil said the rebels’ condition for a ceasefire is “that the Gaddafi brigades and forces withdraw from inside and outside Libyan cities to give freedom to the Libyan people to choose and the world will see that they will choose freedom”.
The UN resolution that authorised international air strikes against Libya called for Gaddafi and the rebels to end hostilities. Gaddafi announced a ceasefire immediately but has shown no sign of heeding it. His forces continue to attack rebels in the east, where the opposition is strongest, and have besieged the only major rebel-held city in the west, Misrata.
Abdul-Jalil said the regime must withdraw its forces and lift all sieges. He stressed the ultimate goal was still to oust Gaddafi.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Putin and Erdogan reach deal to try to ease escalating tensions with Assad-led forces in Idlib and say they will help refugees return home.
The cease-fire further crumbles as militias loyal to commander Khalifa Hifter advance on Misrata in clashes with Tripoli government allies.
The president in a surprise holiday visit says peace talks have restarted; Taliban spokesman says their stance on cease-fire is unchanged.
The clashes, in which some were killed, highlight the risks of violence as fighters, including Kurds, jostle for position in the border zone.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.