Rebels promise fair trials for Gaddafi loyalists
2011-08-27 23:00
Cairo/Tripoli - The head of the Libyan rebel council Mustafa Abdul Jalil promised on Saturday to hold fair trials for those who worked with the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.
"Figures loyal to Gaddafi who did not previously announce siding with the revolution, or have no clear position, will not be welcome to have a place in future Libya, politically speaking," the head of the Transitional National Council said.
However, he told a press conference in the eastern city of Benghazi: "Their safety is our responsibility, and they will have the opportunity to be tried in the legal framework."
"We will not allow revenge acts. This message is also directed to our revolutionaries in Bani Walid," he added, referring to a town south of Tripoli.
Rebels now have their eyes on Sirte, Gaddafi's hometown. They are mobilising more forces east and west of the coastal city, as they await the outcome of negotiations with tribal chiefs to allow them to enter it without a fight.
On Friday, Nato targets around Sirte included one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 armed vehicles and two military shelters.
Gaddafi’s whereabouts unknown
Abdul Jalil said he had no factual information on the whereabouts of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi or his sons.
The whereabouts of Gaddafi and his family remain unknown amid unconfirmed reports of a convoy of six armoured cars which crossed into Algeria, and could be carrying Gaddafi.
The council might ask police officers from Arab and Muslim countries to help with the security situation in Libya, Abdul Jalil said, adding that he did not want security forces from any other states.
His statement came after the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon said that an international police force may have to be deployed to Libya to help restore order in the conflict-ridden nation.
Tripoli was calm on Saturday, after rebels had pushed Gaddafi's forces out. Yet, the capital was in dire need of help, especially medical aid and surgery supplies, in addition to basic food.
Higher priority
"This phase is no less than fighting on front lines. Food has higher priority than security," Abdul Jalil said, as he called on international organisations for help.
Earlier on Saturday, the council's spokesperson Mahmoud Shammam said in Tripoli there were plans to restock Libya with vital supplies, including 30 000 tons of petrol which will be distributed to the public starting on Saturday.
Diesel fuel will also be arriving to help pump water into the city and the council will reopen gas supplies within two days, he said.
"We are dealing with all military issues. Soon you will hear good news about Tripoli being clear and stable. We have managed to do what many others failed to do," he said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it will do its best to provide needed supplies in Libya.
"Many drugs are lacking in Libya and the import has been slowed down. Even drugs for cancer, diabetes, kidney failure are running out and that is a real issue," Steven Anderson, a spokesperson for the ICRC in Libya said in a statement.
- SAPA
