الثلاثاء، 8 مارس 2011

Gaddafi renews attack on rebels

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi have launched further air strikes on the rebel-held oil port of Ras Lanuf, in a renewed offensive.

Warplanes have dropped missiles near rebel positions in the desert east of Ras Lanuf, witnessed by reporters for the AP and AFP news agencies.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Rebels fighting to oust Col Gaddafi after 41 years in power took Ras Lanuf on Friday.

Meanwhile, a rebel spokesman said a representative for Col Gaddafi had offered to hold talks on the Libyan leader's exit.

The rebels rejected the offer, the spokesman said.
'Significant gains'

There has been no comment from Col Gaddafi's government on the rebels' statement, but the Libyan leader has refused to cede power in the past.

He argues that he has no official position, and therefore it is impossible for him to resign.

The BBC's Wyre Davies, in Tripoli, says Col Gaddafi's side believe they are making significant military gains, consolidating their hold on western Libya.

On Monday, pro-Gaddafi forces retook the town of Bin Jawad, on the road to Ras Lanuf.

Using air strikes, helicopter gunships and heavy armaments, they pushed back a rebel advance along the north coast.

Under these circumstances, it is difficult to see how the Gaddafi regime would be in any mood to compromise or talk about succession, our correspondent says.

Meanwhile, Western powers are stepping up their efforts to put in place a no-fly zone over Libya.

Britain and France are drafting a UN resolution, which will be debated by Nato defence ministers on Thursday.

Gulf states have supported the idea and also called for an urgent meeting of the Arab League.

They have condemned the use of violence against civilians by Libyan government forces.

The UN says 200,000 people have fled the violence in Libya, where the revolt is well into its third week.

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