More Updates On The Libyan Uprising

Libyans step on Gaddafi

Yesterday, the United States closed its embassy in Tripoli, Libya. According to the New York Times, Obama’s administration made the announcement as soon as the last American in Libya had been evacuated.

The administration also ratcheted up pressure on Col. Muammar el-Qadhafi by imposing unilateral sanctions against Libya. The sanctions included a freeze of the Libyan government assets which is estimated to be in billions of dollars. Also included in the freeze were assets of Col. Qadhafi, three of Gaddafi's sons – heir apparent Seif al-Islam, Khamis and Muatassim – and a daughter, Aisha as well as other top government officials involved in the violent crackdown.

“It’s clear that Colonel Qaddafi has lost the confidence of his people,” said the White House press secretary, Jay Carney. “His legitimacy has been reduced to zero.”

The Associated Press reported on Friday that after issuing a formal executive order freezing the American-held assets of Colonel Qaddafi, his children and family, and senior members of the Libyan government, President Obama is exploring other options to help protect the people of Libya from Col. Qadhafi. The options on the table included an imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya

The ferry carrying 167 Americans finally arrived at Malta on Friday. Long delayed by high waves in the Mediterranean Sea, CNN reported stories of horror seen in Libya by the evacuated Americans. A charter plane carrying additional Americans also left Libya on Friday.

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France called on Col. Qadhafi to resign. He made the call while on a visit to Turkey. The French leader leads a more aggressive response from the European Union which has imposed its own freeze of assets of Libyan government and top officials.

Reuters reported Friday that the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, unanimously condemned Libya for its violent crackdown of protesters.  The body launched an investigation into possible crimes against humanity by Gadhafi and members of his regime. As part of its resolution, Libya was suspended from the U. N. body.

Meanwhile, Libyan diplomats to the Human Rights Council announced their defection. They pledged their support with the people of Libya determined to end the 42- year old regime of Col. Gadhafi.

Similarly, The Herald Sun reported Friday that the Libyan ambassador to the UN, Mohammed Shalgham, has followed in the footsteps of his deputy and defected:
"Please, the United Nations, save Libya. Let there be no bloodshed, no killing of innocents. We want a decisive, rapid and courageous resolution from you," Mr Shalgham told the Security Council.

Time magazine on Friday published an interview with a Libyan woman whose family had been part of the opposition to Gadhafi for years. In the interview the woman named Rahma, said that Gadhafi’s health should offer an insight into his behavior.

"He's obviously insane, and most people who heard his voice yesterday are sure it wasn't his, that it was just someone they found to imitate his crazy ranting," she comments. "But because it's all so confused and no one knows where he really is, people just hope the rumors that he's sick and in poor health are true and that he dies quickly so this can end."

Meanwhile, the Guardian of London reported Friday that Gadhafi’s son, Saif al Islam Gadhafi, held a press conference in Tripoli where he claimed that the Libyan armed forces were ‘holding back’ in its dealings with rebels. He said that his father’s administration would want to negotiate with the rebels. "We are dealing with terrorists ...” Saif al Islam said, “The army decided not to attack the terrorists, and to give a chance to negotiation. Hopefully we will do it peacefully and will do so by tomorrow."