Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat – Deputy leader of the Libyan rebel National Transitional Council [NTC], Abdul Hafiz Ghoga, stressed that Gaddafi is no longer in charge of anything inside Libya, except for the army, which he is using to crush the Libyan people. Ghoga claimed that Gaddafi was no longer even in control of the capital Tripoli, and stressed that the NTC forces are approximately 70 km from Tripoli, and gaining ground every day.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ghoga also stressed that the NTC is extremely optimistic with regards to the possibility of taking Tripoli out of Gaddafi control. The deputy NTC leader also said that the Libyan rebels are not concerned about gaining international recognition – with Australia the latest country to recognize the NTC – stressing that “the entire world recognizes us, and deals with us, and provides us with political support.” However Ghoga did acknowledge that the NTC was looking for international financial aid in order to help Libya get out of the crisis it is currently facing, and in order to ensure that all the needs of the Libyan people are met.
Ghoga also told Asharq Al-Awsat that Gaddafi is entrenched within his Bab al-Aziziyah compound in Tripoli, and is no longer in control of many Libyan areas and institutes. Ghoga stressed that Colonel Gaddafi is only in control of “the army which he is using to kill the Libyan people.”
Ghoga also stressed that “the time is up for the Gaddafi regime” adding that “Gaddafi is no longer in control of anything, including the capital Tripoli.” He also stressed that “our people in Tripoli are being subject to violence and suppression, but despite this they are still taking to the streets.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from Dubai, against the backdrop of the third meeting of the Libya Contact Group, NTC deputy leader Abdul Hafiz Ghoga said that the people of Libya are now looking at the post-Gaddafi period, stressing that the NTC is seeking to ensure all the needs and requirements of the Libyan people. Ghoga said that this was “evidence that we are in control of the majority of cities in Libya, whether these are the liberated cities, or even the cities that have yet to be liberated.”
Ghoga also stressed that what the Libyan rebels need now is more arms, especially as the rebel forces are moving upon Tripoli, and are “no more than 70 km away [from the Libyan capital].”
He also stressed that he is looking forward to a brighter future in Libya, and that “we want the best [for Libya] and are very optimistic about the future.” He added that “we hope to come out with positive results from the meeting [of the Libya Contact Group], particularly on the economic level.”