Thursday, March 3, 2011

Libya: Son Denies Airstrikes In Tripoli

Lisa Holland, in Tripoli

"This is Fashlun, this is the centre of Fashlun," Saif Gaddafi said."Show me a single attack, one drop, one attack on Tajoura."
I was invited to tour around the suburbs of Tripoli with Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi's son.
Frustrated, he insisted that there have been no airstrikes in the capital designed to intimidate anti-government protesters - and prevent them from launching an uprising in the capital.
During our drive we saw no evidence of airstrikes, but this was just a short, unscientific exploration of the city.

I put to Saif Gaddafi allegations that government security forces have been going into the suburbs and picking off potential ringleaders who might be leading anti-Gaddafi protests.
He said: "First of all, we have a lot of guns everywhere. This is a well-known fact.
"We have guns everywhere because they stole a lot of guns from the army, from the ammunition depots.

"So now it's a very critical time. Everybody should be very, very careful.
"There is no time to risk the country or to tolerate people who want to have social unrest.
"Everything is legitimate and allowed if it is for the people and the peace and security of the country."
Saif Gaddafi appeared relaxed yet defiant. He said he would take us wherever we wanted to go.
His driver pulled over the car in Fashloon when we asked him to stop.

When he got out he was instantly recognised – he is as well known as Col Gaddafi.
In the main streets the men came forward to shake his hand and shout the name of his father.
Saif put up his arms, punching the air, acknowledging their support.
He knows the regime is under intense pressure, but insists his father is maintaining a firm grip in the capital.

"The sound of our people is very, very clear and loud," he said. 

"Welcome to Fashlun."