Gaddafi appears on TV

Tripoli: Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi appeared on state television on Tuesday, signaling his defiance in the face of mounting rebellion against his 41-year reign.

"I am in Tripoli, but not in Venezuela," he said, under a big umbrella, leaning out of the front seat of the van. Reports on Monday said Gaddafi had fled to Venezuela, run by his friend and fellow revolutionary president Hugo Chavez.

Libyan forces loyal to Qadhafi fought over the bloody battle to save the veteran leader in power with residents reporting gunfire in the areas of the capital Tripoli and one politician said warplanes bombed the city.

Gaddafi has used tanks, helicopters and aircraft to combat the growing revolt, witnesses said Tuesday.

UN Agency for Refugees called on Libya's neighbors not to turn back those fleeing violence as hundreds of refugees streamed into Egypt on tractors and trucks, describing the wave of killings and gang launched an uprising.

In the eastern city of Al-Bayda, Al Marai Mahry resident told Reuters by telephone that 26 people, including his brother Ahmed was shot at night on the supporters of al-Gaddafi.

"They shoot you just for walking on the street," he said, sobbing uncontrollably as he asked for help. The protesters were attacked with tanks and fighter planes, he said.


Libyan security guards came out of their side of the border of Egypt and the new military rulers - who came to power after the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak on February11 - said the major intersections will remain open round the clock to the sick and wounded to enter.

Human Rights Watch says at least 233 people were killed and opposition groups, this figure is much higher, but independent verification is impossible.

The uprising in Libya, OPEC drove oil prices at 2 1 / 2 year high above $ 108 a barrel.