Libya: Gaddafi capture in Sirte – world reactions

GlobalPost

More from GlobalPost: Gaddafi captured in Sirte, and is wounded: report
 

  • In Sirte, rebel fighters have been firing celebratory volleys into the air, reports the BBC's correspondent Gabriel Gatehouse. The man reportedly responsible for finding and capturing Gaddafi, 20-year-old Mohammed al-Bibi, is being carried on his comrades shoulders' as a hero.
     
  • The Misrata military council has prepared a statement thanking Allah for Gaddafi's capture, according to the Guardian's correspondent Chris Stephens. Misrata has erupted in "wild celebrations," Libyan exiles who have spoken to compatriots on the ground have told him.
     
  • Footage on Sky News also shows celebrations in Tripoli, where drivers are honking horns non-stop.
     
  • Pro-Gaddafi TV channel Al-Libiya denies the reports of Gaddafi's capture or death as "baseless," says Al Jazeera. Gaddafi "is in good health," according to Al-Libiya.
     
  • "It is not the first time they resort to this kind of disinformation," the report said.
     
  • An unnamed NATO official, cited by Sky News, said: "Clearly these are very significant developments, which will take time to confirm. If it is true, then this is truly a historic day for the people of Libya."
     
  • Neither the US State Department nor the White House has commented, Reuters reports. State Department officials say they have not received confirmation of the reports of Gaddafi's capture.
     
  • US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton cannot confirm reported capture, but says if they it is true she would "breathe a sigh of relief as one more obstacle was removed," reports the Guardian. The removal of Gaddafi should help the "transition process to a new government," she said.
     
  • Gaddafi's reported death "marks the end of an era of despotism and repression from which the Libyan people have suffered for too long," said European Union President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in a joint statement. "Today Libya can turn a page in its history and embrace a new democratic future."
     
  • Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi says the war in Libya is now "over", reports Ansa news wire.
     
  • Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte hailed the reported capture as "good news", according to Sky News. He also said he hoped Gaddafi would face the International Criminal Court, the Guardian reports.
     
  • Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says the Libyan people should decide Gaddafi's fate, according to the Guardian.
     
  • Human Rights Watch is calling for Gaddafi to face justice for his crimes, even if he is dead, says the Guardian.
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