| Nations’ Feedback on Libyan Uprising 23/02/2011 14:52:00 | ||
 | ||
| Former Libyan Ambassador to Libya Ali al-Essawi announcing his resignationAbdul-Fatah Younis, the Secretary of the Interior in Libya has joined a long list of high-level desertions made up of Libyan ambassadors and people in high posts by announcing his resignation and at the same time expressed his support for the Libyan uprising.Younis was seen in a video aired by Al Jazeera on Tuesday, reading a statement that urged the Libyan army to “join the people and respond to their legitimate demands”.His resignation came hours after Al Qathafi had vowed to fight on and die a “martyr” in a 75-minute-long speech broadcast on Libya’s national TV. An army general, not yet named, is also said to have resigned.In the meantime, just minutes after Al Qathafi’ss speech, Amr Moussa, the Arab League chief decided to discontinue the participation of the Libyan delegation in the meetings of the council and all its institutions, while with concern mounting over the crisis in Libya, at the end of an emergency meeting in New York held behind closed doors, the Security Council issued a statement stronglycondemningg the violence against civilians in Libya.It was stated: “The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the situation in Libya. They condemned the violence and use of force against civilians, deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators, and expressed deep regret at the deaths of hundreds of civilians.”Navi Pillay, the UN human rights chief, has called for the “immediate cessation of grave human rights violations committed by Libyan authorities”. She also called for an independent, international investigation into the killings that have wracked the country for days.Peru suspended diplomatic ties with Libya on Tuesday, becoming the first nation to take such a measure, however, but Fidel Castro, the former Cuban president, said that the unrest may be a pretext for a NATO invasion of Libya, and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, also offered support for Al Qathafi, saying he had telephoned to express solidarity.Bolivia issued a statement expressing concern over “the regrettable loss of many lives” and urging both sides to find a peaceful solution.Ali al-Essawi, who resigned as Libyan ambassador to India alleged that foreigners had been hired to fight on behalf of the Libyan government, and called the violence “a massacre”. He further urged the UN to block Libyan airspace in order to “protect the people”.Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, urged Libya’s neighbours not to turn back those fleeing the violence, as hundreds of refugees streamed into Egypt on tractors and lorries, describing a wave of killing and banditry unleashed by the revolt.Libyan guards have withdrawn from their side of the border and Egypt’s new military rulers – who took power following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak – said the main crossing would be kept open round the clock to allow the sick and wounded to enter.Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of the Libyan leader has been quoted saying that armed forces had “bombarded arms depots situated far from populated areas” and denied that air raids had taken place in Tripoli and Benghazi.State television on Tuesday dismissed allegations that security forces were killing protesters as “lies and rumours”.Benghazi, Libya’s second city, has been taken over by anti-government protesters, after military units renounced their posts and joined the demonstrators. According to the Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights, protesters are also in control of Sirte, Tobruk in the east, as well as Misurata, Khoms, Tarhounah, Zenten, Zawiya and Zuwara. |
Nations’ Feedback on Libyan Uprising
Abdullah Al Asadi is a Libyan journalist and writer at TripoliPost, covering politics, society, and culture across Libya and the wider region. With a passion for independent storytelling and a commitment to accuracy, he brings readers in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis on the issues shaping his country. He can be reached at abdullah.asadi@tripolipost.com
Leave a Comment
