Moscow, Feb 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The opposition, struggling to oust embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has announced it has formed a national council in an effort to free the country of the dictator’s rule.
‘The main aim of the national council is to have a political face … for the revolution,’ Hafiz Ghoga, a spokesman for the Benghazi-based council, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.
‘We will help liberate other Libyan cities, in particular Tripoli through our national army, our armed forces, of which part have announced their support for the people,’ he said.
Violent protests demanding the end of the 42-year rule of Gaddafi are currently raging across Libya. Up to 2,000 people have been killed and nearly 6,000 were wounded in clashes with security forces.
The western part of Libya, including Tripoli and Surt, an important centre for oil production, are currently under the control of Gaddafi’s supporters.
Anti-Gaddafi forces Sunday took control of Az Zawiyah, a city in the northwest. The city houses the country’s largest oil refinery. At least 50 people died in the clashes.
The UN Security Council Sunday adopted a resolution imposing sanctions on Libya. The sanctions, designed to end violence in the country, include a total arms embargo, travel bans and a freeze of certain accounts.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
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