Oman Observer
Libyan ruler calls on Arabs to extradite Gaddafi loyalists
BAGHDAD — Libya’s interim ruler, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, called yesterday on Arab countries to extradite “wanted” loyalists of late leader Muammer Gaddafi to face justice in his country.
“They will face fair trials for the crimes they have committed,” Jalil, who heads Libya’s ruling Transitional National Council (TNC), told the opening session of a key Arab summit in Baghdad.
Libyan authorities have asked Mauritania to hand over Gaddafi’s former spy chief, Abdullah al Senussi, who was arrested earlier this month upon arrival at Nouakchott airport from Morocco.
In June, the International Criminal Court indicted Al Senussi for crimes against humanity, for his role in the crackdown on the rebellion against Gaddafi’s government.
Meanwhile, Egypt has said it is considering a Libyan request to hand over former officials from the Gaddafi government.
Abdel Jalil called yesterday on the Arab leaders to protect money invested in their countries under Gaddafi’s rule.
“It is important to develop judicial co-operation on criminal issues between Libya and other Arab countries, mainly those where elements from the former government are living,” he added.
Libya has been gripped in recent months by clashes among rival militias, highlighting challenges facing the North African in re-establishing security in the post-Gaddafi era.
At least 70 people were killed this week in tribal fighting in the southern Libyan town of Sabha, according to local officials.
Libya has blamed the unrest on loyalists to Gaddafi, who was captured and killed in October after 42 years in power.
Fresh clashes yesterday between rival Libyan tribes killed eight people, a hospital official said.
“The situation is very bad. At least eight bodies were brought to the hospital over the past three hours,” said a doctor at the Sabha hospital, Abdel Rahman Arish.
He said several people were also wounded in the fighting that has raged since Monday between the Toubou tribe and tribesmen from Sabha.
But the TNC gave a conflicting account, one day after reporting that more than 70 people had been killed and 150 wounded in Sabha.
“The situation is calm”
in Sabha, NTC spokesman Mohammed Harizi said.
— dpa/AFP
.
