Document:Gaddafi - We will live free or die
speech by Muammar Gaddafi dated 2011-04-29Subjects: 2011 Attacks on Libya
Source: Oriental Review (Link)
Translated from Arabic by Oriental Review
Broadcast on Libyan national television just 24 hours before a NATO missile strike killed his youngest son Saif al-Arab and his 3 children - 6 month old Mastura, 18 month old Saif Mohammed and 2 year old Carthage.
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Gaddafi: "We will live free or die"
‘Today I have happy memories and at the same time I am sad because my grandfather died in the battle of Al Gadabia on this day. My grandfather was killed there along with 400 other Libyans. Now, after almost 100 years, Italy returns to try to repeat the invasion. I’m sorry that I remember these events, it would be much better if I had forgotten them.
I want to ask Mr. Berlusconi, where is our friendship we have talked so much about? Where is the Italian Parliament? Where are our Italian friends? Italy has caused great pain to the Libyans. The Libyans are very offended by Italy. And I have no veto to stop these feelings of Libyan people. We were told that we must restore our friendship, but they lied. Yesterday Italy bombed Sirte…
My friends, presidents of China, Russia, Nigeria, South Africa, Portugal – I’m asking you: was the UN Resolution 1973 accepted to establish no-fly zone or to annihilate Libyans?
Libya is being torn in pieces day and night. They are blocking our access to oil, destroying ports, bombing houses, cutting the supply of essentials for the civilians… Talking about no-fly zone we presume that there should be no aircrafts of both sides! It does not mean that Libyans aircrafts wouldn’t fly while you can bomb whatever and wherever.
What do the rules of the United Nations serve for? To make Libyans die of starving or to stop the airstrikes? Do these rules allow killings? Or cutting communications?…
We need a meeting, we are asking Putin to be a mediator to put an end to this war. You’ve talked about the need to stop bombardments of Libya and we are grateful for this. But Al-Qaeda do not respect any international law and do not cease fire…
Now I have to say something to NATO. You are bombing a wall that was deterring criminals of Al-Qaeda. The wall blocking the avalanche of African migration to Europe. Because this wall is named Libya.
I’m telling the truth. There are four points that I want you to wipe off your minds:
- Libyan politics. Internal organization of Libyan politics is exclusive affair of the Libyan people. Even I cannot change it. Only Libyans can change their internal political system.
- Gaddafi. To stay or to leave – it is not you who decide. Libyans are in charge of the country already for 40 years. My parents and my grandparents were killed in Libya and never left the country. My people love me because I do not love you. I’m not the President of Libya, but there would be a possibility the people would elect me.
- Oil. Do not dream of oil. Do not dream of stealing the nutrition of our children. You can keep your business in Libya if we make a deal, but nothing else.
- Libya. We will never hoist the white flag. In case of land operation all Libyans will take the arms and will fight!
WE WILL LIVE FREE OR DIE!’
