ID :
203397
Thu, 08/25/2011 - 07:13
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/203397
The shortlink copeid
Fight against Gadhafi regime in Libya not over yet: Korean envoy
DJERBA, Tunisia, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- Libya's opposition military forces appeared to be close to overthrowing longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi, but it was too early to declare victory in the strife-torn nation, Seoul's top diplomat to Tripoli said Thursday.
After a six-month-long bloody uprising against Gadhafi's iron-fist rule, rebel fighters this week stormed the compound of the beleaguered Libyan leader, but forces loyal to Gadhafi were continuing their resistance and street fighting raged in Tripoli.
"Although Tripoli has fallen to rebel forces, the situation in Libya is not over yet," Ambassador Jo Dae-sik told Yonhap News Agency in an interview.
"It will take some time (for rebel forces to impose order) if government forces wage guerrilla warfare," Jo said. "The future remains hard to predict."
Jo and his embassy staff have temporarily moved to the Tunisian island of Djerba since late May amid escalating dangers from NATO air strikes against forces loyal to the Gadhafi regime.
Jo confirmed his residence in Tripoli was attacked on late Tuesday by a gang of armed robbers, but no one was hurt during the rioting.
"The looting at the residence was a case that symbolically represents the uncertain security situation in Libya," the ambassador said.
About 20 South Koreans who remain in Libya have been confirmed safe, but they were advised to restrict their movements and stay home, he said.
South Korea has officially recognized Libya's rebel-led council as the North African nation's legitimate government and pledged to provide humanitarian assistance to the rebel Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) and Libyan people.
International efforts to support the NTC have been also intensifying as Gadhafi's 42-year-long regime is on the verge of collapse.
(END)
After a six-month-long bloody uprising against Gadhafi's iron-fist rule, rebel fighters this week stormed the compound of the beleaguered Libyan leader, but forces loyal to Gadhafi were continuing their resistance and street fighting raged in Tripoli.
"Although Tripoli has fallen to rebel forces, the situation in Libya is not over yet," Ambassador Jo Dae-sik told Yonhap News Agency in an interview.
"It will take some time (for rebel forces to impose order) if government forces wage guerrilla warfare," Jo said. "The future remains hard to predict."
Jo and his embassy staff have temporarily moved to the Tunisian island of Djerba since late May amid escalating dangers from NATO air strikes against forces loyal to the Gadhafi regime.
Jo confirmed his residence in Tripoli was attacked on late Tuesday by a gang of armed robbers, but no one was hurt during the rioting.
"The looting at the residence was a case that symbolically represents the uncertain security situation in Libya," the ambassador said.
About 20 South Koreans who remain in Libya have been confirmed safe, but they were advised to restrict their movements and stay home, he said.
South Korea has officially recognized Libya's rebel-led council as the North African nation's legitimate government and pledged to provide humanitarian assistance to the rebel Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) and Libyan people.
International efforts to support the NTC have been also intensifying as Gadhafi's 42-year-long regime is on the verge of collapse.
(END)
