Interpol issues notice against Gaddafi

At least 13 people were reported dead in Zawiya,25 miles west of Tripoli. A spokesman for the government,Mussa Ibrahim,told Reuters that he expected the government to regain control “possibly tonight.”

Military jets struck hard on the eastern city of Ajdabiya,but caused no casualties or damage,witnesses were quoted as saying by the media.

In Tripoli,the stronghold of Gaddafi,braving the large presence of gun-totting security personnel and mercenaries,over 1,000 protesters hit the streets in large numbers after Friday prayers,demanding the end of his 41 years rule,chanting “Gaddafi is the enemy of God”,witnesses said. They were tear-gassed and fired upon by the forces loyal to Gaddafi. Skirmishes between Gaddafi loyalists and rebels were reported in Ras Lanuf,the eastern oil port as well.

For the first time since the uprising began on February 15,Interpol issued an Orange Notice against 68-year-old Gaddafi and 15 other Libyans,including members of his family and close associates. The alert is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement agencies in each of the world police bodies in 188-member countries will be able to take all necessary measures to enforce travel ban against the Libyan leader and others.

In Washington,US President Barack Obama said Gaddafi has lost legitimacy and must leave office,as he authorised the use of military aircraft for humanitarian purposes. “Muammar Gaddafi has lost legitimacy to lead,and he must leave,” Obama said at a White House news conference.

With respect to US willingness to engage militarily,Obama said he has instructed the Department of Defence,and the State Department to examine is full range of options. “I don’t want us hamstrung. I want us to be making our decisions based on what’s going to be best for the Libyan people in consultation with the international community,” he said. “So there are a whole range of options,military and non-military,that we’re examining,” he said.

Meanwhile,A ship carrying about $160 million worth of Libyan currency was impounded in England after turning back from a trip to Libya,a British government official said. The official declined to comment on where the currency came from,although Britain is home to printer De La Rue PLC,which produces over 150 national currencies.