‘Free Libya’ cries heard in city near capital
By MAGGIE MICHAEL February 28, 2011 2:50AM
Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM
ZAWIYA, Libya — With residents shouting “Free, free Libya,” anti-government rebels who control this battle-scarred city nearest to the capital deployed tanks and anti-aircraft weapons Sunday to brace for an attack by troops loyal to Moammar Gadhafi.
Politicians in the opposition stronghold of Benghazi set up their first leadership council to manage day-to-day affairs, taking a step toward forming what could be an alternative to Gadhafi’s regime.
In the capital Tripoli, where Gadhafi is still firmly in control, state banks began handing out the equivalent of $400 per family in a bid to shore up public loyalty.
“The Libyan people are fully behind me,” Gadhafi defiantly told Serbian TV, even as about half of the country was in rebel control and world leaders moved to isolate him.
Gadhafi has launched by far the bloodiest crackdown in a wave of anti-government uprisings sweeping the Arab world, the most serious challenge to his four decades in power. The United States, Britain and the U.N. Security Council all slapped sanctions on Libya this weekend.
There were no reports of major violence or clashes on Sunday, although gunfire was heard after nightfall in Tripoli.
The mood in Zawiya was generally upbeat, with chants of “Free, free Libya,” although the anticipation of a renewed attempt to retake the city was causing some anxiety among the rebels.
“We are all wanted,” said one rebel at the square who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisals. “Zawiya in our hands is a direct threat to Tripoli.”
On Zawiya’s outskirts were pro-Gadhafi forces, also backed by tanks and anti-aircraft guns. About 20 miles west of Zawiya, some 3,000 pro-Gadhafi demonstrators gathered on the coastal highway, chanting slogans in support of the Libyan leader.
Gadhafi loyalists remain in control of Tripoli, where most stores were closed and long lines formed outside the few banks open for business.
Residents thronged to the banks after state TV promised each family 500 Libyan dinars (about $400), plus the equivalent of about $100 credit for phone service. State TV also said families also will be entitled to 60,000 Libyan dinars (about $49,000) in interest-free loans to buy apartments.
AP
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