Libyan Leader's Son Warns Of Civil War

Libyan Leader's Son Warns Of Civil War

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son, Sayf al-Islam, has warned that civil war could hit the North Africa country.

In a lengthy televised address to the nation, as anti-government protests spread to the capital Tripoli , Sayf al-Islam said opposition groups and outsiders were trying to transform Libya into a group of small states.

He said if they succeeded, foreign investment would stop and living standards would drop drastically.

Criticism of foreign media

Sayf also criticised the foreign media for what he termed their exaggeration of the extent of the violence in Libya .

The US , UK and French governments are among those which have condemned the harsh treatment of protesters.

He said that the army stood behind his father as a ''leader of the battle in Tripoli '' and would enforce security at any price.

Reform agenda

Sayf added that the General People's Congress , Libya 's equivalent of a parliament would convene on Monday to discuss a "clear" reform agenda.

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime is under pressure amid unprecedented protests in the Libyan capital and defections by senior diplomats.

Protesters out on the streets of Tripoli late on Sunday were met by security forces using live ammunition and tear gas.

Benghazi , the country's second city, now appears to be largely under the control of protesters.

‘Massacre'

On Monday, reports from Tripoli suggested the streets were mainly quiet, with government forces still patrolling Green Square after crushing protests in what witnesses called a "massacre".

A central government building, the People's Hall, was said to have been set ablaze and firefighters were trying to put out the flames.

‘Defection'

Libya 's envoy to the Arab League, Abdel Moneim al-Honi, announced he was ''joining the revolution'' .

Libyan ambassador to India , Ali al-Essawi, told newsmen he was resigning in protest against his government's violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Mohamed Bayou, who until a month ago was chief spokesman for the Libyan government, said the leadership was wrong to threaten violence against its opponents.

He made his comments in a statement obtained by newsmen, which appeared to indicate disagreement within the ruling elite.

In another blow to Colonel Gaddafi's rule, two tribes - including Libya 's largest tribe, the Warfla - have backed the protesters.

Human Rights Watch says at least 233 people have died since last Thursday , though in his speech, Sayf Gaddafi insisted reports of the death toll had been exaggerated.

BBC/Margaret/Yinka