Post date: Feb 24, 2011 3:3:8 PM
A Libyan army general scorns the Libyan leader, saying he has an "inferiority complex"; authorities urge protesters to turn in their weapons.
LIBYA-OFFICIALS STATEMENTS - With Muammar Gaddafi still in power and the east of the country falling to anti-government protesters, Libya looks to be split in two.
One army general in free-Tobruk blames Gaddafi for dividing the country.
General Soliman Soliman Mahmoud al-Obeidy said the Libyan leader let the people down: he can no longer be trusted after giving orders to fire on civilians in the nearby eastern city of Benghazi.Pouring scorn on Gaddafi, he also says he has an inferiority complex.
GENERAL SOLIMAN MAHMOUD AL-OBEIDY, MAJOR GENERAL OF TOBRUK MILITARY, SAYING:
"I would like to say to him that Libyans gave you glory. We who were his comrades and thought that he would be a copy of Abdel Nasser and that he would be just, believe in freedom, and unify the nation, but he is dividing the nation now. He also addresses other Arab leaders with arrogance. This man has an inferiority complex. I am saying this although I know I am at risk of being assassinated."
But with authorities rapidly losing control of eastern Libya, one government spokesman urged anti-regime protesters to surrender their arms.
SPOKESMAN FOR THE LIBYAN PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE FOR GENERAL SECURITY, SAYING:
"He who submits his weapon and shows remorse will be exempted from legal prosecution. The committee calls on citizens to help them by informing them on those who misled young people, or supplied them with money, equipment, or intoxicating substances and hallucinatory pills. A monetary reward will be given to anyone who will report them or provide any information which will help us arrest them."
Meanwhile in Benghazi, residents are trying to reimpose order and secure their victory.
They have jailed people they say are mercenaries and set up committees to run the city.
With his 40-year grip on power rapidly loosening, Gaddafi has vowed to "cleanse Libya house by house" until he crushes the revolt.
Travis Brecher, Reuters