‘Gaddafi’s era is over’, says head of Libyan rebel council

Answering to questions by the media, Jail said he could not say whether the revolutionaries had total control of Tripoli: “Bab al-Azizyah and the surrounding areas are still outside our control, so we have knowledge of whether Gaddafi is there.”

He however added that he hopes Gaddafi is captured alive so he can be put on trial: “We will provide him with a fair trial, but I have no idea how he will defend himself against these crimes that he committed against the Libyans and the world.”

He again confirmed that sons Mohammed Gaddafi and Saif al-Islam were under the control of the rebels and assured they were in “safe places”.

During his speech, Jalil said Col Muammar Gaddafi tried to scare the international community by saying that Islamic extremists were part of the rebels’ movement.

Thanking the international community for its support, Jalil said the support prevented human catastrophes and massacres which the Libyan people were about to suffer.

“Gaddafi has tried to instigate civil war and division between the sons of a united Libya,” Jalil said. “But the children and sons and daughters of Libya have proved to the world how patriotic and responsible they are.”

He said that Gaddafi will only be remembered for the atrocities he committed against the rebels: “From political assassinations, to arrests, mind games and oppressing efforts of the Libyan people who tried to oust him before.”

“But God has chosen that Gaddafi’s end should be at the hands of the youths, so that they too can join the Arab Spring that is going around the Arab nations,” he said. “And now I can say that the era of Gaddafi is over.”

Jalil also warned that the Libyans must now work together as the future will not be an easy one: “We have many challenges and responsibilities ahead of us … starting with healing the wounds and making peace with one another. This in loyalty to the blood of our martyrs.”

He said that these responsibilities would also be in the name of the revolution: creating safety, security, peace and prosperity.

“I call upon all Libyans to practice self control and to protect the lives and properties of others. This revolution was based on freedom, democracy, justice, equality and transparency. And this we will achieve through a moderate Islamic framework.”

Jalil also expressed fears that some rebels’ actions might be outside the framework of the orders given by their leaders, “especially those concerning revenge.”

“I object strongly to any execution outside the law framework, regardless of the act done. I trust their word and hail their leaders, but some of their followers worry me.”

Jalil promised a new Libya where all citizens will be equal, including all factors and factions of society. “We aim for a country where all people are equal, regardless of race or colour and were all minorities are equal.”

He also said that Libya “will take care and appreciate the nations that support this revolution and which stood by the revolution since its birth until its end. These countries will have a special form of relation and Libya will also have good and friendly relations with everyone.”