Maravi

(NEWZIMBABWE) Gaddafi to stay in Libya: Zuma

Gaddafi to stay in Libya: Zuma
Frank discussions ... Zuma meeting Gaddafi in Tripoli on Monday
31/05/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

EMBATTLED Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is “not prepared to leave his country”, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday, a day after the two men held talks in Tripoli.

Zuma reiterated calls by the African Union for a cease-fire “to enable a political dialogue amongst the Libyan people to begin”, while prodding NATO allies to recognise Africa’s role in seeking an end to the conflict which has been raging since mid-February.

“We call on all leaders in Libya to exercise decisive leadership to find a solution to the crisis in the country, and to put the interests of their country first,” Zuma said.

“Nothing other than a dialogue among all parties in Libya can bring about a lasting solution. We will also reiterate the AU call for the NATO and other parties to respect the AU’s role in searching for a solution in the matter.”

Libyan rebels who took up arms in the eastern city of Benghazi before pushing infield have so far insisted on Gaddafi’s departure before dialogue can resume, and in this they appear to have the support of western countries led by France, Britain and the United States who have been bombarding Gaddafi military targets since March 19.

Zuma said: “Col Gaddafi reiterated his agreement to a ceasefire and a dialogue of the Libyan people to find a political solution. He expressed his anger at the NATO bombings, which have claimed the lives of his son and grandchildren and continue to cause a destruction of property and disruption of life.

“Col Gaddafi called for an end to the bombings to enable a Libyan dialogue. He emphasised that he was not prepared to leave his country, despite the difficulties.”
Zuma was taken on a tour to see the destruction caused by the bombings and the deepening humanitarian crisis.

“The personal safety of Col Gaddafi is of concern,” Zuma said, expressing satisfaction with “progress made” and the “frankness of the discussions” with Gaddafi which he said had enabled him to gain an understanding of where the Libyan government stands on issues and the way forward.

South Africa has consistently slammed the airstrikes against Gaddafi’s regime despite voting for the United Nations no-fly zone resolution that led to the NATO-led campaign. But it has simultaneously condemned attacks on civilians as a "heinous violation of human rights against (Gaddafi's) own people".

"South Africa did not vote for regime change. By the time we voted on this resolution, more than 2,000 people were mowed down by their own government that was supposed to protect them," Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told parliament Tuesday.

Labels: JACOB ZUMA, LIBYA, MUAMMAR AL-GADDAFI, NEOCOLONIALISM

posted by MrK @ 8:58 PM