Rebel Leader: Gadhafi Speech Shows 'Despair'
Moammar Gadhafi's speech on Thursday revealed the Libyan leader's "despair" in the face of a successful revolution, a senior rebel leader said.
"Gadhafi's speech is a sign of misery and despair," Ahmed Darrat, who is overseeing the interior ministry for the rebels until a new government is elected, told Agence France Presse in Tripoli.
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi vowed earlier Thursday not to surrender, saying he would carry on fighting the rebels who have conquered most of the country, the Syrian Arrai television channel said.
He urged his supporters to keep up their resistance to the rebellion that has forced him into hiding, the pro-Gadhafi station said, carrying written extracts from a message it said would be broadcast later.
"Even if you cannot hear my voice, continue the resistance," Gadhafi said on the 42nd anniversary of the coup that brought him to power, as an international conference opened in Paris on aiding the rebel National Transitional Council to set up a new administration.
"We will not surrender. We are not women and we are going to keep on fighting," the message said.
He added that he was ready for a "long battle" against NATO-backed rebels even if his country is destroyed.
"If they want a long battle, let it be long. If Libya burns, who will be able to govern it? Let it burn," said Gadhafi who has been on the run since rebels entered Tripoli on August 20.
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/14089 |