Libya's Deputy FM Speaks of Pressure on Rebels

Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Kaim has blamed NATO member countries of pressuring rebels in battling Moammer Qaddafi’s troops, in a news conference in the capital Tripoli, on August 12.

"You (rebels) have the last chance. You have to fight and be suicidal, you have to do your job quickly, as soon as possible before the 17th of Ramadan (17th August). That is the instruction from these three countries, Qatar, Britain and France. You do it or you are losers. That is the instruction that they are receiving and they told them that we cannot manage any longer that we will provide you with fuel, with food supplies, with money and with munitions. You have to do it because we are under heavy pressure and we are expecting more pressure from the public opinion and from the media in September," said Mr. Kaim.

According to medics, 11 rebel fighters have lost their lives within 24 hours in a siege to claim the oil terminal at Brega, a strategic town on the Mediterranean Coast.

Mr. Kaim has pointed out that the NATO mission has gone on longer and proven to be bloodier than intended.

"The NATO killed 85 people and destroyed 20 houses. Why Mr. Ban Ki-moon fell short to mention the NATO? This is insufficient and unacceptable from the United Nations," he said.

It has been nearly six months since the rebels began their uprising against Qaddafi, and believe that capturing Brega will bring them even closer to pursuit of the capital, in addition to beginning the export of oil.

Speaker:

Khalid Kaim - Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister