NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen says Gaddafi's regime is 'clearly crumbling'

NATO Secretary-General Rasmussen says Gaddafi's regime is 'clearly crumbling'

2011-08-22 08:39:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

TRIPOLI/BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Monday said the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is 'clearly crumbling' as rebels took over parts of the country's capital.

"The sooner Gaddafi realizes that he cannot win the battle against his own people, the better -- so that the Libyan people can be spared further bloodshed and suffering," Rasmussen said. "The Libyan people have suffered tremendously under Gaddafi's rule for over four decades."

Rasmussen said the Libyan people now have a chance for a new beginning and called for a halt to all threats against civilians. "Now is the time to create a new Libya - a state based on freedom, not fear; democracy, not dictatorship; the will of the many, not the whims of a few," he said.

Heavy fighting was reported in parts of the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Saturday evening and Sunday evening, continuing into Monday morning. Reports said rebels had taken over significant parts of Tripoli and the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed that Gaddafi's son, Seif al-Islam,had been arrested by rebel forces.

"NATO is ready to work with the Libyan people and with the Transitional National Council, which holds a great responsibility," Rasmussen said, referring to the rebel council which has been recognized by dozens of countries as Libya's sole representative. "They must make sure that the transition is smooth and inclusive, that the country stays united, and that the future is founded on reconciliation and respect for human rights."

The NATO leader also said the remaining allies and forces loyal to Gaddafi have a great responsibility. "It is time to end their careers of violence. The world is watching them. This is their opportunity to side with the Libyan people and choose the right side of history," he said.

Rasmussen said it will meanwhile continue to monitor military units and key facilities in Libya. "When we see any threatening moves towards the Libyan people, we will act in accordance with our UN mandate," he warned. "Our goal throughout this conflict has been to protect the people of Libya, and that is what we are doing."

Libya has been engulfed in a civil war since an uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in mid-February, leading to UN Security Council Resolution 1973 which authorized its member states to impose a no-fly zone over the North African country and take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians. Since then, NATO forces have carried out hundreds of airstrikes across Libya to aid the rebels.

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