Hillary Clinton makes a surprise trip to Libya.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently made a surprise visit to Libya to demonstrate Washington's support for the country's people and to build bilateral relations.
Clinton travels to Libya. Photo: AFP.
Clinton spent only a few hours in Tripoli yesterday. She was the first U.S. cabinet official to visit Libya since the overthrow of former leader Moammar Gadhafi.
During her stay in Tripoli, she held talks with senior officials of the National Transitional Council (NTC), including chairman Abdul Jalil, Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, and Finance Minister Ali Tarhouni. "I am proud to stand here, on free Tripoli soil, and on behalf of the American people, to congratulate Libya," Clinton said.
She also visited a hospital and spoke to students at Tripoli University. "We hope Colonel Moammar Gadhafi will be arrested soon so that people no longer have to fear him," she said.
She said the NTC needed to unite anti-Gadhafi forces and could rely on US support in rebuilding the country, BBC reported.
Clinton's visit was kept secret for security reasons. US officials said the trip was intended to demonstrate Washington's support for the NTC and the Libyan people, as well as to begin building a closer relationship with Libya.
Clinton arrived in Tripoli at a time when fierce fighting was raging in Sirte, Gadhafi's hometown and the last stronghold of forces loyal to him. The NTC was met with heavy resistance, and 35 of their soldiers were hospitalized with injuries.
"They fired at us from all sides, with sniper rifles, artillery shells, and grenade launchers," said Tahar Burzeza, an NTC fighter.
Forces loyal to Gadhafi have recaptured some areas previously lost to the NTC. Fighting has resumed in the western suburbs of the city, which had been quiet for a long time.
(According to VnExpress)
