Libya’s Gaddafi vows to “triumph over the enemy”
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has vowed defiantly to triumph over his enemies, urging his supporters in Tripoli’s Green Square to protect Libya and its petroleum interests.
Addressing cheering supporters from the old city ramparts looking over Green Square, Gaddafi, wearing a winter jacket and a hunter’s cap that covered his ears, said:
“Get ready to fight for Libya, get ready to fight for dignity, get ready to fight for petroleum.”
The Libyan leader, who has lost swathes of his country to rebels, said: “Respond to them, put them to shame” and “we can triumph over the enemies.”
Blowing kisses to his supporters and then shaking his fist in the air, Gaddafi said: “This nation, we are the nation of dignity and integrity, this nation has triumphed over (former colonial power) Italy.”
Gaddafi shouted: “You must dance, sing, and prepare yourself … this spirit you have is stronger than any other attempt by the foreigners and the enemies to destroy us.”
Becoming more and more animated, Gaddafi said: “Muammar Gaddafi is amongst you. I stand among the people and we will fight and we will kill them if they want.”
“Look at the people’s force. This is the people’s force that cannot be defeated.”
“Do as you please. You are free to dance, sing, and celebrate in all squares throughout the night. Muammar Gaddafi is one of you. Dance, sing, rejoice!”