Libya - Latest Updates Part II (937)
zeus911: The Indian Destroyer "INS Mysore" is entering the Grand Harbour as I write
Picture: The Destroyer "INS Mysore" as it is being berthed at the Grand Harbour - The "HMS Cumberland" can be seen in the background
40 minutes after its sister warship "Mysore", the Indian Navy amphibious transport dock ship "INS Jalashwa" has also arrived at the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta and is being berthed right now as I write.Picture: The Destroyer "INS Mysore" as it is being berthed at the Grand Harbour - The "HMS Cumberland" can be seen in the background
Picture: The "INS Jalashwa" being berthed next to the Destroyer "INS Mysore"
Interesting is the fact that the Jalashwa is the first and only Indian naval ship to be acquired from the United States having previously been the "USS Trenton". The vessel is fully equipped with extensive medical facilities including four operating theatres, a 12-bed ward, a laboratory and a dental centre. From a military perspective the ship's flight-deck can host a number of helicopters (3 visible in above picture), amongst Harrier Jets, has a well-deck which can be flooded to launch boats and is also capable of carrying at least 1000 combat troops.
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zeus911: In the same interview I mentioned earlier by Seif al Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's militant son is reported to have commented strongly on news of any possible intervention. He said the regime would "never surrender" to the rebels.
"This is our country, we will never, ever give up and we will never, ever surrender. This is our country. We fight here in Libya, we die here in Libya," he said.
"The Libyan people, they will never, ever welcome NATO, we will never, ever welcome the Americans either."
On France's recognition of the national council set up in the east as well, Seif said:
"The French or the Europeans, they should talk to the Libyan people,"
"If they want to support the militia, do it. But I will tell you now: you are going to lose. We will win."
"This is our country, we will never, ever give up and we will never, ever surrender. This is our country. We fight here in Libya, we die here in Libya," he said.
"The Libyan people, they will never, ever welcome NATO, we will never, ever welcome the Americans either."
On France's recognition of the national council set up in the east as well, Seif said:
"The French or the Europeans, they should talk to the Libyan people,"
"If they want to support the militia, do it. But I will tell you now: you are going to lose. We will win."
Given that some have doubted I'm posting a link to a youtube video showing part of Seif al Islam's comments quoted above.
The video from australian Ten News also shows scenes of fighting and the reluctance of western powers to intervene.
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Libyan state television aired footage on today of people fleeing the Ras Lanuf and of pro-Gaddafi forces searching houses for weapons.
Rebels lost their control of the residential areas by late morning on Friday, but were reportedly holding on to part of the strategic oil port.
While the major powers, the EU, the UN, Nato, the African Union and the Arab League discuss and consider diplomatic options Gaddafi and his son Saif are keeping to their word and systematically crushing the rebels, pushing them back towards Benghazi.
Rebels lost their control of the residential areas by late morning on Friday, but were reportedly holding on to part of the strategic oil port.
While the major powers, the EU, the UN, Nato, the African Union and the Arab League discuss and consider diplomatic options Gaddafi and his son Saif are keeping to their word and systematically crushing the rebels, pushing them back towards Benghazi.
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More on the release of the Dutch Crew:
The Maltese Prime Minister has revealed new details about the yesterday's release of the 3 Dutch crew members. He declared that during the negotiations, the Libyan counterparts had requested to trade the crew members with the 2 defected Mirage jets currently held in Malta. Dr. Gonzi speaking to Times of Malta journalists in Brussels this morning said that he made Malta's position clear in that their release was being sought unconditionally.
"Malta was instrumental in the release of these soldiers and was involved in delicate negotiations. We are very satisfied that they are returning home safely," he added.
In a separate statement, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: "We are very glad that our soldiers have been released. Sixteen million Dutch are looking forward to welcome them back home. I am grateful for the good offices of Malta and Greece that helped secure their release."
The Maltese Prime Minister has revealed new details about the yesterday's release of the 3 Dutch crew members. He declared that during the negotiations, the Libyan counterparts had requested to trade the crew members with the 2 defected Mirage jets currently held in Malta. Dr. Gonzi speaking to Times of Malta journalists in Brussels this morning said that he made Malta's position clear in that their release was being sought unconditionally.
"Malta was instrumental in the release of these soldiers and was involved in delicate negotiations. We are very satisfied that they are returning home safely," he added.
In a separate statement, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said: "We are very glad that our soldiers have been released. Sixteen million Dutch are looking forward to welcome them back home. I am grateful for the good offices of Malta and Greece that helped secure their release."
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Good Morning Zeus, Thanks so much for your post and perspective on Libya yesterday...I clipped and copied to several of my friends who like most of us here, support Human Rights and remain concern for the opposition of Gaddafi. 
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Libyan state TV transmitted Saif al Islam speeking to media in Tripoli as EU delegates in Brussels discuss Libya:
Saif once again attacked the perpetrators of the revolution and accused them of brutalities as he described attacks and killing of Government Officials during uprisings, of which he states as having recorded proof. Speaking in arabic in the transmitted press conference, he once again linked the leaders of the revolt to Al Qaeda but this time went further in saying that he knew some of them personally and knew them to have been freed from Guantanamo prison. The fact that rebels attacked military depots is proof he said that this is not a protest but a planned military action. While the Libyan state continues to attribute this uprising to Al Qaeda, it is not clear on why or how this organisation is to profit from the overthrowing of the Gaddafi regime.
Saif al Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's second eldest son has emerged as the official spokesman of the regime and is repeatedly talking to both local and foreign media where he is both throwing threats against the rebels and reiterating his family's commitment to see this through to the end.
Saif once again attacked the perpetrators of the revolution and accused them of brutalities as he described attacks and killing of Government Officials during uprisings, of which he states as having recorded proof. Speaking in arabic in the transmitted press conference, he once again linked the leaders of the revolt to Al Qaeda but this time went further in saying that he knew some of them personally and knew them to have been freed from Guantanamo prison. The fact that rebels attacked military depots is proof he said that this is not a protest but a planned military action. While the Libyan state continues to attribute this uprising to Al Qaeda, it is not clear on why or how this organisation is to profit from the overthrowing of the Gaddafi regime.
Saif al Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's second eldest son has emerged as the official spokesman of the regime and is repeatedly talking to both local and foreign media where he is both throwing threats against the rebels and reiterating his family's commitment to see this through to the end.
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Buffy327: Good Morning Zeus, Thanks so much for your post and perspective on Libya yesterday...I clipped and copied to several of my friends who like most of us here, support Human Rights and remain concern for the opposition of Gaddafi.
Good Morning Buffy, Too bad that we started off this day with another human tragedy in Japan, seems the world is throwing back at us more than we can handle... Anyway glad you like that post and yes of course feel free to quote and pass on links to this thread to anyone.------ This thread is Archived ------
zeus911: Libyan state TV transmitted Saif al Islam speeking to media in Tripoli as EU delegates in Brussels discuss Libya:
Saif once again attacked the perpetrators of the revolution and accused them of brutalities as he described attacks and killing of Government Officials during uprisings, of which he states as having recorded proof. Speaking in arabic in the transmitted press conference, he once again linked the leaders of the revolt to Al Qaeda but this time went further in saying that he knew some of them personally and knew them to have been freed from Guantanamo prison. The fact that rebels attacked military depots is proof he said that this is not a protest but a planned military action. While the Libyan state continues to attribute this uprising to Al Qaeda, it is not clear on why or how this organisation is to profit from the overthrowing of the Gaddafi regime.
Saif al Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's second eldest son has emerged as the official spokesman of the regime and is repeatedly talking to both local and foreign media where he is both throwing threats against the rebels and reiterating his family's commitment to see this through to the end.
Saif once again attacked the perpetrators of the revolution and accused them of brutalities as he described attacks and killing of Government Officials during uprisings, of which he states as having recorded proof. Speaking in arabic in the transmitted press conference, he once again linked the leaders of the revolt to Al Qaeda but this time went further in saying that he knew some of them personally and knew them to have been freed from Guantanamo prison. The fact that rebels attacked military depots is proof he said that this is not a protest but a planned military action. While the Libyan state continues to attribute this uprising to Al Qaeda, it is not clear on why or how this organisation is to profit from the overthrowing of the Gaddafi regime.
Saif al Islam Gaddafi, Gaddafi's second eldest son has emerged as the official spokesman of the regime and is repeatedly talking to both local and foreign media where he is both throwing threats against the rebels and reiterating his family's commitment to see this through to the end.
What, so we released Al Qaeda terrorist, so they could go into Libya and over throw Gaddafi....Wow, how cool r we...to start another war and not spend a dime...The entire family is delusional
and surely can come up with a better blame game than this...
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Buffy327: What, so we released Al Qaeda terrorist, so they could go into Libya and over throw Gaddafi....Wow, how cool r we...to start another war and not spend a dime...The entire family is delusional
and surely can come up with a better blame game than this...
and surely can come up with a better blame game than this...
Yep that's what he's claiming...
as the english transcript is now available I can clarify it further: his exact words on that were, "I tell you: I, myself, had you released from Guantanamo. I know you by name ... They were handed over to us by the West. The West extradited them to us from Guantanamo, packed in sacks like chickens"
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Reports from Ras Lanuf:
Thick black smoke is rising from an oil storage depot which has been reportedly attacked by pro-Gaddafi warplanes this morning.
A rebel fighter reporting via phone to Al Jazeera just now speaks of at least 70 dead from rebel forces and around 55 from Gaddafi's troops in fighting from yesterday. He says the diminishing rebel forces are being attacked from land, air and sea as both warplanes and gunboats are supporting the ground troops in their assault on the city.
While Ras Lanuf has been reported as taken by government forces, fighting is still raging in pockets of resistance.
Thick black smoke is rising from an oil storage depot which has been reportedly attacked by pro-Gaddafi warplanes this morning.
A rebel fighter reporting via phone to Al Jazeera just now speaks of at least 70 dead from rebel forces and around 55 from Gaddafi's troops in fighting from yesterday. He says the diminishing rebel forces are being attacked from land, air and sea as both warplanes and gunboats are supporting the ground troops in their assault on the city.
While Ras Lanuf has been reported as taken by government forces, fighting is still raging in pockets of resistance.
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Have to hand it to Hillary yesterday .........she hit the nail on the head regarding everyone expecting America to do this and that about Libya ...........
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Buffy327: What, so we released Al Qaeda terrorist, so they could go into Libya and over throw Gaddafi....Wow, how cool r we...to start another war and not spend a dime...The entire family is delusional
and surely can come up with a better blame game than this...
and surely can come up with a better blame game than this...
Yes, Buffy, it's always out fault, even if we do nothing.
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Today being Friday is once again a day of prayer for the Islamic Libyans and is also the 3rd Friday since the beginning of this revolt. This time however Government officials have tried to contain the typical impromptu protests held by people leaving the mosques after prayers. This was done by sending official warnings to Imams in the capital to warn them of avoiding any such occurances on threat of reprisals.
Reuters also reports that a government official advised foreign journalists not to go near the Tajoura neighbourhood (the location of the main post-prayer protests of last week) as they were told that the journalists presense would incite violence.
However the same source reports that government forces pre-empted any repeat of last weeks events in Tajoura by firing tear gas and shooting in the air as around 300 people were still in their prayers in order to intimidate and disperse them even before any protests begin.
Reuters also reports that a government official advised foreign journalists not to go near the Tajoura neighbourhood (the location of the main post-prayer protests of last week) as they were told that the journalists presense would incite violence.
However the same source reports that government forces pre-empted any repeat of last weeks events in Tajoura by firing tear gas and shooting in the air as around 300 people were still in their prayers in order to intimidate and disperse them even before any protests begin.
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Ever since the start of this conflict many people are hearing of Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam and may think he is his only son. However he is only the second eldest and just one out of nine offspring, 7 sons, 1 daughter and another adopted son. The reason for Gaddafi's second eldest rather than the firstborn seems to be related to the mothers. The eldest son, Muhammad is from Gaddafi's first wife Fatiha, which apparently pre-arranged marraige only lasting six months. The rest of his natural offspring are from his second and only wife Safia being Saif al-Islam, Saadi, Mutassim, Hannibal, Saif al-Arab, Khamis and the only daughter Ayesha. Another supposedly adopted daughter Hannah was reported as killed in the American bombing raid on Tripoli back in 1986 however this claim is disputed by many and seems to be surrounded by many inaccuracies including the presumed age being reported as anything from 4 to 12 years old at the time.
Saif is thus Gaddafi's second son but the first he had with Safia and thus seems to have been more in his favor. The very name given to the child indicates this as it is arabic for "Sword of Islam" which with the meaning of "Islam" brings on a full meaning of "Sword of submission to Allah". Traditionally such a name was a subsidiary title borne (after their name and patronym) by male members of the al-Qasimi dynasty especially sons of the ruling Imam. Thus the name of Gaddafi's favorite and potential successor (were it not for the current developments) is a name fit for a prince.
Though not exactly a protector of the faith as his name implies Saif was fitting into his role of successor quite well. Speaking good english, and with a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, he in fact has long been known as the liberal face of the despotic clan. He has called for reforms and, in contrast to his father and brothers Hannibal and al-Saadi, has never been caught in a scandal or involved in any embarrasing situations.
Libyans were actually hoping that Saif could be the answer to their future and were looking to him for the needed change. The February 17th revolt however changed all that. Both Libyans and the world have seen a different Saif, one who unfortunately has echoed his father's threats and has threw in a number of his own. Most Libyans were not as much disppointed with Muammar's reactions and rambling discourses following the events as much as they had been felt let down by what they had hoped to have been a promise of liberalisation and modernisation in their country.
Basically after 41 years no one expected any better from the aging dictator but Saif's reaction was perhaps the biggest disappointment for a nation who are now convinced more than ever that their can be no future for their country as long as a Gaddafi is at its helm.
Saif is thus Gaddafi's second son but the first he had with Safia and thus seems to have been more in his favor. The very name given to the child indicates this as it is arabic for "Sword of Islam" which with the meaning of "Islam" brings on a full meaning of "Sword of submission to Allah". Traditionally such a name was a subsidiary title borne (after their name and patronym) by male members of the al-Qasimi dynasty especially sons of the ruling Imam. Thus the name of Gaddafi's favorite and potential successor (were it not for the current developments) is a name fit for a prince.
Though not exactly a protector of the faith as his name implies Saif was fitting into his role of successor quite well. Speaking good english, and with a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, he in fact has long been known as the liberal face of the despotic clan. He has called for reforms and, in contrast to his father and brothers Hannibal and al-Saadi, has never been caught in a scandal or involved in any embarrasing situations.
Libyans were actually hoping that Saif could be the answer to their future and were looking to him for the needed change. The February 17th revolt however changed all that. Both Libyans and the world have seen a different Saif, one who unfortunately has echoed his father's threats and has threw in a number of his own. Most Libyans were not as much disppointed with Muammar's reactions and rambling discourses following the events as much as they had been felt let down by what they had hoped to have been a promise of liberalisation and modernisation in their country.
Basically after 41 years no one expected any better from the aging dictator but Saif's reaction was perhaps the biggest disappointment for a nation who are now convinced more than ever that their can be no future for their country as long as a Gaddafi is at its helm.
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Thanks for the history Zeus....Sad for Saif, but good that the world found out that he was not the man they once thought he was. Some liberal, huh? 
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zeus911: Yep that's what he's claiming...
as the english transcript is now available I can clarify it further: his exact words on that were, "I tell you: I, myself, had you released from Guantanamo. I know you by name ... They were handed over to us by the West. The West extradited them to us from Guantanamo, packed in sacks like chickens"
as the english transcript is now available I can clarify it further: his exact words on that were, "I tell you: I, myself, had you released from Guantanamo. I know you by name ... They were handed over to us by the West. The West extradited them to us from Guantanamo, packed in sacks like chickens"
Yes, we usually transport people in sacks. It's much easier that way. I wonder, could he identify the sacks. Were they like "GAP" sacks or SACS FIFTH AVE, sacks, maybe Christian Dior sacks.
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Following France's declaration of acceptance of the revolutionary national committee as the legal representative of Libya, Tripoli has announced via vice foreign minister Khaled Kaaim that it will suspend all diplomatic relations with the country.
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zeus911: Following France's declaration of acceptance of the revolutionary national committee as the legal representative of Libya, Tripoli has announced via vice foreign minister Khaled Kaaim that it will suspend all diplomatic relations with the country.
is the British warship cumberland still in valetta harbour as i have heard it has gone out to sea? TC------ This thread is Archived ------
UK Defence Secretary of State Liam Fox arrived in Malta this afternoon on a surprise official visit. Meeting with Maltese Prime Minister Dr. Gonzi (wasn't he in Brussels this morning?), Dr. Fox formally thanked him on behalf of Her Majesty’s government expressing that he was "extremely grateful to the people of Malta for the support that the UK has received during the humanitarian mission."
Later he attended a reception on board HMS Cumberland where he was welcomed by Captain Steve Dainton during which Mr. Fox payed tribute to the efforts of the crew and military personnel aboard. Obviously while on board he must have met with the team of the botched mission recently captured in Benghazi.
Finally Dr. Fox also attended a dinner hosted by the British High Commissioner to say thank you to key Maltese officials who helped with the evacuation.
He is to leave the island tomorrow afternoon. Nothing is reported about his morning's appointments but one would assume he would have exhausted his gratitude by then and would perhaps have other serious matters to discuss with local authorities or with the British military and diplomats currently on the island.
Later he attended a reception on board HMS Cumberland where he was welcomed by Captain Steve Dainton during which Mr. Fox payed tribute to the efforts of the crew and military personnel aboard. Obviously while on board he must have met with the team of the botched mission recently captured in Benghazi.
Finally Dr. Fox also attended a dinner hosted by the British High Commissioner to say thank you to key Maltese officials who helped with the evacuation.
He is to leave the island tomorrow afternoon. Nothing is reported about his morning's appointments but one would assume he would have exhausted his gratitude by then and would perhaps have other serious matters to discuss with local authorities or with the British military and diplomats currently on the island.
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The two warships have set sail from Mumbai, India on February 27 and they are heading here as part of India's efforts to supervise and assist in the evacuation of its nationals.
A press release issued by the Indian Press Information Bureau describes the ships as having been specially equipped for the task with full medical facilities, an operating theatre, doctors and paramedics. They are also carrying helicopters and a contingent of Marine Special Forces personnel.
The Indian Destroyer "INS Mysore" is entering the Grand Harbour as I write
Picture: The Destroyer "INS Mysore" as it is being berthed at the Grand Harbour - The "HMS Cumberland" can be seen in the background