Gaddafi Urges Libyans to “Rise Up” against New Rulers

Local Editor

As the new interim government was braced for fierce battles in Sirte, deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi urged Libyans to take to streets “in their millions” and revolt against the new interim government. In a poor quality record broadcast on the Syrian-based television, Ar-rai, said the National Transitional Council (NTC) had no legitimacy because it was not nominated or appointed by the Libyan people. "Go peacefully... be courageous, rise up, go to the streets, raise our green flags to the skies”. "Don't be afraid of anyone. You are the people. You have right on your side. You are the rightful people of this land". "How did it (NTC) get its legitimacy? Did the Libyan people elect them? Did the Libyan people appoint them"? "To those who recognize this council, be ready for the creation of transitional councils imposed by the power of fleets [Western powers] to replace you one by one from now on", he added. It was not clear when the message was recorded, but Gaddafi warned leaders of the developing world they could face the same fate as him. The whereabouts of Gaddafi has been unknown. He delivered his last speech on Ar-Rai on September 20. FIERCE CLASHES Meanwhile, intense fighting took place in Sirte, where , forces loyal to Gaddafi have launched a bid to break a siege by NTC fighters who have been backed by NATO warplanes. The fighting on the northeastern frontline of Sirte began when the toppled leader's loyalists advanced several hundred meters on Thursday morning under the cover of darkness, fighters from the NTC said. "There was a lot of movement during the night; their snipers advanced here and there," an NTC fighter told the AFP news agency. Sirte, 400km southeast of Tripoli, is the home town of Gaddafi and the most important of cities that are still holding out against Libya's new rulers, and its defenders have put up a fierce resistance, with the two sides trading artillery, tank and mortar shelling. NATO DEADLIER THAN GADDAFI FORCES On the other hand, fleeing residents from the city, said NATO raids were more dangerous than Gaddafi loyalists. "Why is NATO bombing us?" asked Faraj Mussa, whose blue minivan was carrying his family of eight members jammed in beside mattresses and suitcases as they fled the city this week. "We were afraid to come out because they (Gaddafi loyalists) told us that the NTC (National Transitional Council) would cut our throats. But we couldn't stay because of the bombing -- we had to take the risk," he said.

Source: Agencies

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