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    July 13, 2011

Rights Group Calls on Libyan Rebels to Protect Civilians

   VOA News
   Libyan special emergency police officer controls traffic in the
   rebel-held Benghazi, Libya. The new police unit was founded by the
   Libyan interim government National Council in early June, Tuesday, July
   12, 2011
   Photo: AP
   Libyan special emergency police officer controls traffic in the
   rebel-held Benghazi, Libya. The new police unit was founded by the
   Libyan interim government National Council in early June, Tuesday, July
   12, 2011

   A human rights group is calling on opposition fighters in western Libya
   to protect civilians in towns they control, and hold themselves
   accountable for reports of looting and other abuses.
   New York-based Human Rights Watch said Wednesday opposition fighters
   and supporters have damaged property, looted hospitals and homes, and
   beaten some people who support leader Moammar Gadhafi.
   The group said the abuses took place in the rebel-held towns of
   al-Awaniya, Rayayinah, Zawiyat al-Bagul and al-Qawalish in the Nafusa
   Mountains.
   Human Rights Watch said a rebel commander in the area confirmed abuses
   had taken place, and that some people have been punished.
   The group says it has also documented "repeated" attacks by government
   forces against civilians in some of the same areas during the past two
   months, including the use of landmines.
   Meanwhile, France's foreign minister says NATO members have had contact
   with emissaries from Gadhafi who say the embattled Libyan leader is
   ready to give up power.
   Alain Juppe said Tuesday the discussions do not yet constitute
   full-fledged negotiations. But he said emissaries are telling French
   and other officials that, in their words, "Gadhafi is prepared to go.
   Let's talk about it."
   The reliability of the emissaries' information is not clear. Gadhafi so
   far has refused to leave or give up power, and previous peace offers
   from his government have come to nothing.
   Also Tuesday, Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi al-Mahmudi told France's
   Le Figaro newspaper that his government is ready to begin talks with
   Paris and with Libyan rebels "without preconditions." He said Gadhafi -
   whom he referred to as "The Guide" - would not take part in the
   discussions.
   A spokesman for the rebel Transitional National Council, Mahmud
   Shammam, said opposition forces would only respond to "serious
   initiatives" that include the departure from power of Gadhafi and his
   sons.
   France says it has sent messages to the Libyan government saying
   Gadhafi must step down as part of any political solution to the
   five-month conflict with rebel forces fighting to end his 42-year rule.

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