Gaddafi regime ready to blow up Tripoli – Russian envoy to Africa

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Published time: July 14, 2011 06:46
Edited time: July 14, 2011 12:30

Muammar Gaddafi (AFP Photo / HO / Qatar News Agency)

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Muammar Gaddafi may resort to surface-to-surface missiles in case rebels manage to take over the Libyan capital of Tripoli, the Russian president’s special envoy to Africa Mikhail Margelov has said.

“In Tripoli, the Libyan prime minister told me, ‘If rebels seize the city, we’ll straddle it with rockets and blow up.’ I presume Gaddafi’s regime has this kind of suicidal plan in mind,” Margelov told Izvestia daily.

He also said that he doubts Muammar Gaddafi and his supporters are running out of weapons, as American intelligence claims.

“So far, Gaddafi has not used surface-to-surface missiles, which he has in abundance. So this substantiates doubts that there is a shortage of weapons. In theory, Tripoli may lack ammunition for tanks and bullets for guns. But missiles and explosives are something they have in abundance,” the Russian presidential envoy commented.

Russia and the United States, who are playing an active role in attempting to settle the conflict in the country, do not always find a common language on Libya, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday, after a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“And I would like to add that with certainty that the situation surrounding Libya is one case where our positions somewhat diverge,” Lavrov said. “This is all about the way the Security Council resolution is being followed. But on a side note, I would like to say that on this topic, we have less misunderstanding with the United States than with some European countries.”

He added that Russian envoy Mikhail Margelov is working actively with both sides in the conflict.

“I think that the whole set of the measures being taken by NATO members, Russia, the countries in the region as well as the African Union, whose initiative we support, will lead to an agreement to reach a ceasefire and start negotiations,” the Russian foreign minister stressed.

Mass protests against the Gaddafi regime in Libya started in mid-February. Deadly military clashes between rebels and government forces led the United Nations to introduce a non-fly zone over the country. On March 19, an international military operation to protect Libyan civilians from Gaddafi was launched.

Comments (14)

Citizen K 15.07.2011 12:34

Vlad Africa is rising up. We also know from number of media reports that Gaddafi has militarised his people and they are readying themselves for the NATO NATO ground invasion. Russia’s man in Africa, I am certain will not be welcomed in many homes in black Africa. Now, if Gaddafi is a mad man why his people are not turning on him instead of coming out in his support in each week after Friday Prayer in their hundred of thousands each day after Friday prayer? No, despite all the lies and despite the Russians arrogant believe that they can bargain Libya and Africa as useful chip to trade for other objectives with the empire ( Visa free regime, a seat on the TWO), the Russians will not achieve these objectives. So far the only thing that has signed during Lavrov’s visit to Washington D.C is the adoption paper which opens the floodgates for the American adoption of unwanted “white” Russians babies by U.S parents! Because white Americans want these white Russians babies. None of the things the Russians wanted have signed in this trip. As for Gaddafi, he is a mortal being but he has awakened a latent Pan-African conscientiousness that is spreading like a wildfire. Hilary Clinton was soundly defeated in last month’s mission to the Head Quarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Now, the Russians are doing their best to help the U.S and NATO achieve their goals against Gaddafi. My sense is that this will gain nothing for the Russians. Instead, it will cost the Russians the respect and the trust of the people of African continent.

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gigialdred 15.07.2011 11:52

Libya has denied this statement so why is Russia broadcasting this to the world. Seems to me Russia has got into bed with the terrorists Obama and Clinton who condemn the terrorist attacks on Mumbai and authorize the terrorists attacks on babies, children, men, women and innocent soldiers in Libya. I dare your to print this because I know you won't. Shame Russia shame. America is the Axis of all evil and Russia is supporting them

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Vlad (unregistered) 15.07.2011 07:21

Retrospective:"Joe" Biden went to Moscow to talk about "vi sa-free travel" on 10th March, 7days after that Russian Federation abstains at UN council. NATO starts "humanitarian" bombing. Lavrov meets with Hilary on 14th of July, Russian special envoy to Africa Mihail Marglenov says "I presume Gaddafi’s regime has this kind of suicidal plan in mind" Which basically means, "Gaddafi is mad man!" I wonder if that is the price for WTO ? (Libiya?)

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