Washington: "All my people love me, a strong Libyan Muammar Gaddafi insisted on Monday, ignoring the setting of global pressure to resign and possibly head into exile after four decades at the helm of his country.
"They love me. All my people with me." They love me. "They will die to protect me," veteran Libyan leader said in a termination of English during an interview on ABC Television, BBC and The Times in London.
"There is no demonstration at all on the streets," said Gaddafi, who has ruled the north African country of more than 41 years. "Nobody is against us, against me for what?"
These remarks and callous lack of Libyan leader concerned about the plight of his people were sharply condemned by U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice.
"That sounds just plain delusional when he can talk and laugh, so that American and (), international journalist, until he slaughter his own people," Rice said at the White House. "It just underscores how unfit he is to lead and how it is disconnected from reality."
Gaddafi in Tripoli, sat for an interview, as the world's powers have increased the pressure on his regime. He scoffed at the question of how he would never use chemical weapons in order to retain power.
"We got rid of all this," said Gaddafi. "This is a thing of the past, and we've already done this.
"Is it reasonable that any sane person would use such weapons, even against your enemy?" Not to mention its own people, "he said.
There was global outrage crackdown on opposition demonstrations against the regime of Gaddafi, which erupted nearly two weeks ago as a result of turmoil in neighboring Egypt and Tunisia.
Democratic forces now control large areas east of the North African country, but rights groups say at least 1000 people were killed in the crackdown.
Initially feeling response, the United States now openly called for al-Qadhafi to retire, suggesting he should go into exile.
"The people of Libya have made themselves clear: it's time for Gaddafi to go - now, without further violence or delay," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the UN Human Rights Council meeting in Libya in Geneva.
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