TRIPOLI : Western leaders call Libya’s Moammar Gaddafi to surrender Monday after hundreds of rebel fighters swept into Tripoli and secured control of most parts of the capital, heralding an end to his nearly 42-year rule as rebels surrounded Gaddafi’s headquarters and reports of his son Saif al-Islam captured.
Gaddafi loyalists were still holed up in and around the Bab al-Aziziya headquarters where the Libyan leader lived, and there were reports of fierce battles there Monday morning, indicating that the fight was not yet over.
President Obama in a written statement said that, Gaddafi “needs to acknowledge the reality that he no longer controls Libya, He needs to relinquish power once and for all.”
Britain, Germany, Italy and other European countries immediately joined the call on Monday, also urging the rebels to respect human rights and not to exact revenge on Gaddafi supporters.
On Sunday hundreds of rebel fighters swarmed into the symbolically significant Green Square in the heart of the capital. Previously the scene of daily pro-Gaddafi rallies, the square became the scene of jubilant celebrations as fighters fired their Kalashnikov assault rifles at a portrait of Gaddafi looming over the square.
In a brief broadcast on state television, Gaddafi, 69, made what came across as a desperate plea for support. “Go out and take your weapons,” the Libyan leader said. “All of you, there should be no fear.”
Some experts cautioned that a tough urban battle may yet lie ahead between the lightly armed and untrained rebels and the elite government forces kept in reserve for the defense of the capital.
Many of the rebel claims can not be verified independently due to lack of communications in Libyan capital.
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