US President Barack Obama last night offered a hand of friendship to Libya as rebels forged ahead and claimed major control of Tripoli, including its airport.
"The Gaddafi regime is coming to an end and the future of Libya is in the hands of its people," Obama said in a statement from the farm where he is on holiday.
Obama said the US would be a friend and partner to Libya, but urged rebels poised to depose Muammar Gaddafi not to seek justice through violent reprisals.
He also called for Gaddafi to end the bloodshed in Libya as pockets of his loyalist forces continued to fight.
"Although it is clear Gaddafi's rule is over, he still has the opportunity to reduce bloodshed by explicitly relinquishing power to the people of Libya and calling for those forces that continue to fight to lay down their arms," Obama said.
Tripoli residents spent yesterday jubilant yet fearful, asking for weapons to join rebels in their war with loyalists who have besieged the city with snipers and drive-by shootings.
The drab city's concrete walls have been daubed with graffiti, demanding freedom for Libya and an end to the leader many people in Libya consider insane.
Snipers, mortars and heavy machine guns echoed down sunlit streets.
Civilians were exhausted after staying up most of the night enjoying the food and drink they must resist during daylight of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
People in the Gorji neighbourhood, near where Gadaffi's son Mohamed lives, said they welcomed the rebel fighters when they entered the city on Sunday.
"The rebels are now in Martyrs' Square (formerly Green Square) and the surrounding streets," Gorji resident Saad Zaidi, who had just returned from celebrations in the town centre, said.
At the hotel in Tripoli used by foreign media, power and water supplies were cut yesterday afternoon. Hotel staff had left their posts but gunmen said they were providing security.
Gorji resident Abdel Rahman Bin Jama said: "We don't have enough weapons, but we all want weapons to get rid of the dictator. Everyone here is a fighter.
"You won't find anyone here who supports Gaddafi."
Residents, both armed and unarmed, were tense yet happy about what they saw as Gaddafi's inevitable exit.
Residents say they know which neighbours support Gaddafi, but they are not seeking retribution.
"We know exactly who is with us and who is with Gaddafi. They are very few. We've just told them to stay at home."
'We all want weapons to get rid of the dictator'
US President Barack Obama last night offered a hand of friendship to Libya as rebels forged ahead and claimed major control of Tripoli, including its airport.
"The Gaddafi regime is coming to an end and the future of Libya is in the hands of its people," Obama said in a statement from the farm where he is on holiday.
Obama said the US would be a friend and partner to Libya, but urged rebels poised to depose Muammar Gaddafi not to seek justice through violent reprisals.
He also called for Gaddafi to end the bloodshed in Libya as pockets of his loyalist forces continued to fight.
"Although it is clear Gaddafi's rule is over, he still has the opportunity to reduce bloodshed by explicitly relinquishing power to the people of Libya and calling for those forces that continue to fight to lay down their arms," Obama said.
Tripoli residents spent yesterday jubilant yet fearful, asking for weapons to join rebels in their war with loyalists who have besieged the city with snipers and drive-by shootings.
The drab city's concrete walls have been daubed with graffiti, demanding freedom for Libya and an end to the leader many people in Libya consider insane.
Snipers, mortars and heavy machine guns echoed down sunlit streets.
Civilians were exhausted after staying up most of the night enjoying the food and drink they must resist during daylight of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
People in the Gorji neighbourhood, near where Gadaffi's son Mohamed lives, said they welcomed the rebel fighters when they entered the city on Sunday.
"The rebels are now in Martyrs' Square (formerly Green Square) and the surrounding streets," Gorji resident Saad Zaidi, who had just returned from celebrations in the town centre, said.
At the hotel in Tripoli used by foreign media, power and water supplies were cut yesterday afternoon. Hotel staff had left their posts but gunmen said they were providing security.
Gorji resident Abdel Rahman Bin Jama said: "We don't have enough weapons, but we all want weapons to get rid of the dictator. Everyone here is a fighter.
"You won't find anyone here who supports Gaddafi."
Residents, both armed and unarmed, were tense yet happy about what they saw as Gaddafi's inevitable exit.
Residents say they know which neighbours support Gaddafi, but they are not seeking retribution.
"We know exactly who is with us and who is with Gaddafi. They are very few. We've just told them to stay at home."
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