Govt Offices Torched in Tripoli
Jerusalem Post reports:
As violence spreads to Tripoli in 7th day of ongoing unrest, more than 200 people dead, according to medical officials; EU officials prepare for evacuation of Europeans from country.
Violence in Libya escalated Monday as thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Tripoli. Eyewitness reports said that protesters had torched public buildings in the capital overnight.
One of the buildings that was set on fire was the General People's Congress, or parliament, which meets when it is in session in the capital.
Demonstrators have reportedly taken control of much of the eastern city of Benghazi, but hospitals are struggling to cope with the number of casualties, with reports from medical officials suggesting the death toll has reached 200.
Also on Monday, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa called for an end to violence in Libya saying the demands of Arab people for change are legitimate, Reuters reported.
"The demands of the Arab peoples for reform, development and change are legitimate and ... the feelings of all the (Arab) nations are joined in this decisive moment in history," MENA cited Moussa as saying.
Witnesses said protesters and security forces battled for control of Tripoli's city center overnight, with snipers opening fire and Moammar Gadhafi supporters shooting from speeding vehicles.
Three witnesses said protesters Sunday night moved into Tripoli's central Green Square and nearby squares. Plainclothes security forces and militiamen attacked in clashes that lasted until dawn.
One witness said snipers opened fire from rooftops, while two others said gunmen in vehicles with photos of Gadhafi sped through, opening fire and running people over. The witnesses reported seeing casualties, but the number could not be confirmed.
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