African Union Slams Gaddafi's Arrest Warrant

The African Union has called on member states to disregard the arrest warrant issued against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi by the International Criminal Court.

The AU says the ICC's move "seriously complicates efforts to find a solution to Libya's crisis".

The African body recommended member nations do not honour the warrant if Col Gaddafi visits their country.
If members apply the AU's decision, it will weaken the warrant as it will mean the dictator will be able to travel freely on the continent.
Meanwhile, British Apache helicopters have targeted a military base being used by Col Gaddafi's forces to terrorise local people, the Ministry of Defence announced.
It said the aircraft hit the Al Mayah military camp near Az Zawiyah, west of the capital Tripoli.

Colonel Gaddafi is remaining defiant in the face of Nato raids

MoD spokesman Major General Nick Pope said: "The camp has been used by regime forces as a base from which to terrorise the local population.
"In a single mission before midnight, UK Apaches used Hellfire missiles and cannons to destroy or disable a command and control vehicle, a bunker firing position and three main battle tanks."
The raid came as the Libyan leader threatened to carry out attacks against civilians in Europe unless Nato halts its campaign of airstrikes that began in March.

Nato probably did not really think when it began military intervention in March that Colonel Gaddafi would still be in power now.

Sky correspondent Lisa Holland

Speaking from an unknown location on Friday, Col Gaddafi sent a message by telephone to supporters taking part in a rally in Tripoli's Green Square.
He warned Nato countries the Libyans would "one day take this battle...to Europe, to target your homes, offices, families, which would become legitimate military targets, like you have targeted our homes".
Col Gaddafi added: "We can decide to treat you in a similar way. If we decide to, we are able to move to Europe like locusts, like bees.
"We advise you to retreat before you are dealt a disaster."

Hillary Clinton Urges Col Gaddafi To Go

The Nato-led international coalition said its forces have destroyed more than 50 military targets in the west of Libya this week.
The strikes are aimed at hitting forces loyal to Col Gaddafi which have been massing in western cities and along major lines of communication.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said he should quit and help deliver democracy instead of making threats.
Speaking in Spain, she said: "Instead of issuing threats, Gaddafi should put the well-being and interests of his own people first and he should step down from power and help facilitate a democratic transition."

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