Rome, Italy — “Horror and indignation.” This was the initial reaction of Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi on hearing of the killing of the US Ambassador in Libya, Chris Stevens, and his three colleagues during an attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi. “I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to the USA”, said Terzi during his mission to Malta. The Minister added that Italy “condemns most firmly this terrible attack which must be investigated in full as soon as possible.

My thoughts go out to the families of the victims of a dreadful act that has struck the people engaged in a front line role in restoring hope and support to a people who wish to build their own future of freedom and democracy.”

Terzi sent a message to the American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressing his “dismay and deep sadness” over the death of Chris Stevens and his colleagues in this “cowardly attack.” In his own name and that of the Italian Government, he offered his heartfelt condolences.

“In recent months”, commented Terzi, “we have all appreciated the notable professional and human qualities of Ambassador Stevens, with whom we established a close and fruitful collaboration right from the start of the Libyan crisis. With his sensitivity and his deep knowledge of Libya and the Maghreb, Ambassador Stevens made a highly important contribution to the success of the rebellion against the Gaddafi regime and the new Libya’s democratic stabilisation process.

“Italy’s firm intention is to insist with the authorities in Tripoli,” added Terzi. “We also wish to offer, if necessary, every possible help to ensure that all the facts are brought to light and that those responsible for this brutal crime against the US mission in Benghazi are brought to justice.”

Image Courtesy of  Italian Embassy

The article Italian Foreign Minister Marks Attack in US Embassy as “Dreadful” appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

An official of the revolutionary forces said on Wednesday that the fallen Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi is hiding near the town of Ghadamis under the protection of one of his last and strongest support groups: the Tuareg tribe. The CNN reported that the interim military government had reliable information about Gaddafi’s hideout, but could not disclose how the military had acquired the information.

“Gaddafi is protected by the Tuareq tribe located between Niger, Algeria, and Ghadamis town in Libya,” said spokesperson Col. Abdul Basit. Tuareq fighters have been long-time supporters of the Gaddafi regime, “probably because he’s paying them,” said one source according to the Associated Press.

Ethnic Tuareq is a nomadic community that lives around the desert borders of Algeria, Chad, Libya, Mali and Niger. Tribesmen are known to be capable mercenaries, says CNN, and have played a vital part in the escape of loyalists of the Libyan dictator.  Before the revolution, Gaddafi often cashed in on the support of the Tuareg as he rallied to manipulate unstable countries south of Libya.

While the military spokesperson seemed sure about the discovery of Gaddafi’s whereabouts, the National Transitional Council has before made false statements, according to CNN. Another report has suggested that Gaddafi was hiding in the southwestern desert town of Sabha but suspicion has intensified after a recent attack near Ghadamis.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Gaddafi family is scattered in known and unknown locations around the country and neighboring territory. Saif al-Islam is largely considered to be hiding in Bani Walis, 140 kilometers southeast of Tripoli alongside other regime members while another son, Mutassem, is thought to be in Sirte, Gaddafi’s hometown.

CBSnews.com further reported that Gaddafi’s daughter Aisha and other relatives have been given refuge in Algeria. The International Criminal Court in The Hague still has arrest warrants out for the Libyan dictator, his son Salif as well as the former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi. Senussi was allegedly killed during clashes with rebels.

According to Examiner.com, Col. Gaddafi is wanted for crimes committed against humanity through “significant evidence showing Gaddafi ordered forces to attack civilian homes, shoot at demonstrators, disrupt funerals and order snipers to hit those coming out of mosques.” According to NATO, 200,000 Libyan nationals are still under threat from pro-Gaddafi forces.
William Attard McCarthy / Shutterstock.com

The article Rebel Leaders Claim to Know Gaddafi’s Whereabouts appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.