Friday, March 18, 2011

Libya bombs civilians despite ceasefire

Forces loyal to out-of-favor Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi have pressed their attack on the strategically important western city of Misratah, despite the regime's promise of cesefire.


Forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi entered the city of Misratah on Friday, after warplanes again bombed the city.

Explosions and gunfire have also been heard in the capital, Tripoli.

Earlier, Libyan Foreign Minister Mussa Kussa declared an immediate ceasefire and halt to all military operations in the country.

Kussa said the Libyan government would respect a resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.

The UN resolution backed all necessary measures to stop Gaddafi's troops from attacking opposition fighters, in addition to the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

Some European countries have agreed to participate in a joint military operation against Libya.

However, other countries, including Russia have made clear that they will not participate.

Meanwhile, Gaddafi's regime has denied reports that it was continuing attacks on the western cities of Misratah and Zintan.

The embattled regime has asked Turkey, Malta and China to send observers to monitor the ceasefire.

"We are in contact with Turkey, Malta and China and we have asked them to send observers to monitor the ceasefire," a Libyan official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Reports widely indicate that the regime-led violence in the country has left thousands of protesters dead over the past several weeks.

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