Gaddafi blames rebels for destroying infrastructure

TRIPOLI - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi blamed in the early hours of Sunday rebel forces in the country for destroying the infrastructures in Libya during a telephone speech which was broadcast on Libyan state TV.

Gaddafi said the opposition forces burned and destroyed "everything" in the country, and that was something unacceptable in the holy Ramadan month.

He said all the deeds were "scandals" and "pity" instead of democracy, and labeled the opposition "traitors" who cannot represent Libya. He also called on his supporters to "go forward" and find out the "rats."

During the speech, Gaddafi said he is now in Tripoli. However, a senior rebel official said that Gaddafi made the speech through satellite phone and he is not in the capital.

On Saturday night, Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said on the state TV that the capital is still under control and "all of Tripoli is safe and stable," and government officials denied that Gaddafi has been seeking refugee for his family.

Intensified blasts and heavy gunfire were heard in Tripoli where, according to rebel-controlled Libya TV, had seen demonstrations against Gaddafi in several blocks, witnesses said.

Heavy clashes were reported overnight in Tripoli neighborhoods, and the rebels said they have taken their fights inside the capital.

Libyan rebels said Saturday night that the final moment has come for the battle of Tripoli to topple Gaddafi.

Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, vice-chairman of the Benghazi-based rebel National Transitional Council (NTC), said "the zero hour has started" and the rebels in Tripoli have risen up in coordination with the NTC.

Meanwhile, Libyan rebels military spokesman Col. Ahmed Bani confirmed to Xinhua that the rebels have taken control of the Tripoli International Airport and a weapons depot in the capital.