Anti-Govt protesters take control of several cities in Libya

In Libya, anti-government protesters have taken control of several cities in the north African country but came under a brutal crackdown in capital. Security forces used fighter jets and live ammunition on protesters in Tripoli. Al Jazeera said, at least 61 people were killed yesterday at a huge anti-government rally. Lines of communication were cut off by authorities as they seek to suppress the revolt against Libyan President Moamer Gaddafi’s 41-year-old regime, as the protests that started from the eastern city of Benghazi reached Tripoli for the first time.

As calls from around the world grew loud for restraint, Gaddafi’s son – Saif al-Islam pledged to fight the revolt to the last man standing, warning protesters that Libya is neither Tunisia nor Egypt. As the crackdown intensified, Libya’s Justice Minister Mustapha Abdeljalil resigned in protest to the excessive use of force. A senior Libyan diplomat in China and Libya’s Ambassador to India also quit in protest.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Gaddafi may be heading to Venezuela. Venezuela’s Information Minister denied suggestions that the Libyan leader is headed to this South American country.

As the situation worsened in the country, the US asked all its non-essential staff to leave Libya. Washington also advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the country.

India has expressed deep concern over the situation in Libya. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said, government is monitoring the situation in the country but has not taken any decision on whether to evacuate the Indians living there. A round the clock Situation Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the prevailing conditions in the Gulf, West Asian and North African regions and to provide necessary facilitation to members of Indian community. The Contact numbers are : 91 11 2301 5300, 91 11 2301 2113, 91 11 2301 4104, 91 11 2301 8179, Fax : +91 11 2301 8158.

In Bahrain, anti-government protesters who are camping at Manama’s Pearl Square have called a massive demonstration today and expect tens of thousands of people to participate in it.

In Yemen, embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh has rejected demands that he step down, saying widespread demonstrations against his regime are unacceptable acts of provocation. He, however, offered to begin a dialogue with the protesters. The proposal was quickly rebuffed as insincere by an opposition spokesman, and an influential group of Muslim clerics called for the establishment of a national unity government until elections can be held.

In Iraq, Parliament Speaker has suspended work for a week and sent lawmakers to their areas to help soothe rising anger over corruption, food shortages and poor services. Iraq has been hit in recent weeks by a growing wave of protests demanding local officials to step down.

Amid violent crackdowns on peaceful pro-democracy protesters in north Africa and Gulf, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has asked the governments there to exercise restraint and respect basic freedoms. Ban’s office said that he is in touch with leaders of the region to discuss developments in their countries.