N. Africa, Mideast protests: Gadhafi asks supporters to round up protesters


Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi addresses a crowd of supporters Tuesday in Tripoli.

February 22nd, 2011
12:08 PM ET

[LIBYA 12:07 p.m. ET, 7:07 p.m. local] Gadhafi wrapped up his speech after about 70 minutes, saying, "Let's go forward." He immediately got into a golf cart and was driven away, chased by about 25 cheering men, some carrying weapons. No other audience was evident from the video.

[LIBYA 12:05 p.m. ET, 7:05 p.m. local] He called for a march across the country to round up opposition activists.

"We will march together in order to purify Libya. I am supported by millions and God, which is a great power. From Sahara to Sahara, millions will march with me."

[LIBYA 11:59 a.m. ET, 6:59 p.m. local] An hour into his speech, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi said protesters in Benghazi are under the influence of "hallucination pills."

Loyal citizens should detain protesters and turn them over to authorities, he said.

"No one can allow his country to fall apart and fall into the hands of mad persons," he said.

[LIBYA 11:46 a.m. ET, 6:46 p.m. local] Peaceful demonstrations about issues in other countries are acceptable, but complaints about Libya should be aired with public committees, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi said.

Youthful protesters would not be held responsible, because they were led astray by "parasites," he said.

"They were cheated, so they are not to be blamed," he said.

[LIBYA, 11:21 a.m. ET, 6:21 local] Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, defending his regime, said power has been in the hands for the people for decades.

He said he caused the world to notice Libya and to respect it and its people.

"If I had a position in the government, I would have resigned. I would have thrown the resignation in your faces."

He said a "small, sick group" of outsiders infiltrated the country and provoked protests.

Gadhafi called on Libyans who "love and support" him to go out on the streets and demonstrate for him.

"Do you want to be slaves of the Americans?" he said.

He gave protesters until Wednesday to remove all placards and barricades. After that, the police and army will move forcefully against them, he said.

Opposition activists will be executed without mercy, he said.

"The will beg for pardon, but they will not be pardoned," he said.

Gadhafi aligned himself and his regime with al Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al Zawahiri, praising them for wishing to establish Islamic governments.

[LIBYA, 11:07 a.m., 6:07 p.m. local] Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi says he will not leave his country, but will die as "a martyr" if necessary. he denounced Arab satellite TV channels for distorting what he calls the real image of Libya.

[LIBYA, 10:58 a.m. ET, 5:58 p.m. local] Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is delivering a defiant speech to supporters in Tripoli, blaming demonstrations on intelligence agents from other countries intent on returning Libya to colonial status.

"This is my country, the country of my grandfathers, of your grandfathers. We have irrigated it with our blood," he declared.