Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - “The so-called humanitarian air raids have taken the lives of dozens of civilians in various areas of Tripoli,” complains Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, to Fides. “I heard various eye-witness accounts from trustworthy people about this,” says Bishop Martinelli. “Of particular concern, in the district of Buslim, a building collapsed because of the bombing, killing 40 people. Yesterday I reported that the bombing had affected some hospitals, albeit indirectly. I can now confirm that one of these hospitals is in Misda.” According to a report on the Euronews website, in Misda, south of Tripoli, the explosion of an ammunition dump - hit during a raid - also resulted in damages to a hospital and several houses, causing injuries to 13 people according to hospital sources.
“If it is true that the bombings appear to be very targeted, it is also true that they are hitting military targets, which are in the midst of civilian neighbourhoods, thus the local people are also affected,” said Bishop Martinelli.
The Apostolic Vicar adds: “The situation in Tripoli is becoming more difficult every day. The fuel shortage has worsened, as evidenced by the queues of cars at petrol stations. On the military level things seem to be at an impasse, because the rebels do not appear to have enough strength to move forward. For this reason I say that the diplomatic solution is the best way to end the bloodshed between the Libyans, giving Gheddafi a dignified way out.”
The recent defection of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and former external intelligence chief in Libya, Moussa Koussa, is interpreted by many as a sign of the presence of strong divisions within the regime. “Moussa Koussa was certainly one of the pillars of power,” confirms Bishop Martinelli. “His defection is perhaps due to the contradictory line that was taken in recent weeks against the UN.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2011)
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