LIBYA (Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya)
The African Union does not support the Nato-led military campaign targeting Col. Gaddafi's forces.
Capital: Tripoli
Area: 1759540 Sq km
Hottest place of the world: Al Azizia situated in Sahara Desert in Libya
Location: In the North Mediterranean Sea, in the South Chad, in the East Egypt and in the West Tunisia and Algeria.
Historical background: Kingdom of Libya gained independence from British and French military administration in 1951. The past bleak picture changed dramatically after 1959 with the discovery of vast reserves of oil and gas in the south. In 1969 Col. Gaddafi toppled King Idris in a military coup, the name was given “Al-Fataha Revolution”. In 1973 Gaddafi declared a “Cultural Revolution” at the grassroots level in the country like, people's committees in hospitals, schools and other work places. In 1973 Libya assumed control over the disputed Aouzou Strip in northern Chad, in the Tabesti Mountain a 70,000 sq km region thought to be rich in uranium.
In 1994 Libya returned the Aouzou strip to Chad. In 1981, the US shot down two Libyan aircraft which challenged its war planned over the Gulf of Sirte, claimed by Libya as its territorial water in Mediterranean Sea. In 1984 United Kingdom broke off diplomatic relations with Libya after killing of British policeman in Tripoli. In 1986, United States bombed on Libyan military bases in urban areas of Tripoli.
In December 21, 1988 Lockerbie incident took place. In 1992, UN imposed sanctions on Libya in an effort to force it to hand over for trial of two Libyans involvement in the blowing up of a Pan Am flight 103 airline over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988.
In 1999, Libyan Government agreed to hand over Lockerbie suspects for trial in the Netherlands under Scottish Law. United Nations sanctions suspended and diplomatic relations with the UK were restored. In January 31st, 2001, special Scottish Court in the Netherlands found over of the two Libyans accused of the Lockerbie bombing, Abdul Baset Ali Mohammad Al-Megrahi was guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and other accused was not guilty and freed.
In August 2009, Al-Megrahi was freed from Scottish prison on humanitarian ground. In 2004, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Libya. In February 2009, Gaddafi was elected chairman of the African Union. In August 2009 Libyans had celebrated 40th anniversary of “Al-Fatha Revolution” at this occasion the chief guest was Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Anti-government move was started in Libya on February 15, 2011. By February 18, most of Benghazi the country second largest city was controlled by the opposition. Protests had spread to Tripoli by February 20.
An interim Government in opposition to Col. Muammar Gaddafi's continued rule was established in Benghazi on March 26, 2011. On March 19, 2011, operation Odyssey Dawn began establishing a No Fly Zone in Libya. In such a bleak scenario, a South Africa-led African Union peace initiative seems to be the best option to end hostilities in the country.
The African Union does not support the Nato-led military campaign targeting Col. Gaddafi's forces, and South African President Jacob Zuma has recently stepped up efforts to broker a peace deal, because both the countries have deep cordial relations.
Another development a United Nations peace envoy to Libya Abdul Elah Al-Khatib is suggesting a ceasefire in the country, to be followed by the immediate creation of a transitional authority made up equally of the government and rebels while excluding Gaddafi and his son.
“Arab Spring” –
eight months on
Tunisian-inspired rebellions have sparked unrest in numerous nations including Libya, where rebels celebrate the “end of Kadhafi era”
Tunisia
Former President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia in January, is sentenced to more than 66 years in prison in absentia. Nation looks to rebuild its economy under interim leader Beji Caid Essebsi. 1st elections since Ben Ali's departure postponed to October 23.
Egypt
Murder and corruption trial of former President Hosni Mubarak, who stood down in February, is adjourned until September 5.
Ruling military council pushes back parliamentary polls, originally scheduled for September, by up to two months.
Syria
President Bashar al-Assad refuses to step aside, ignoring international pressure to end a bloody 5-month crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, which has cost the lives of at least 2,200 people according to rights groups. Thousands of civilians flee to Turkey and Lebanon.
Bahrain
Shiite-led democracy rallies crushed by authorities and troops from other Gulf nations from mid-March.
King supports proposals for political reform following “national dialogue” but Shiite opposition stays it will boycott next month's by-elections.
Morocco
Nation announces early parliamentary elections for November 25. Monarchy pursues reforms in response to partly-quashed protests inspired by the Arab Spring. Voters approve proposal to limit powers of King Mohammad VI in a July 1 referendum. New constitution to give greater role to prime minister and grant more public freedom.
Algeria
Uprising sparked by rising living costs. State of emergency lifted 19 years after it was introduced.
Protesters still call for better salaries, job prospects and housing despite a series of political reforms announced by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Libya
After four decades in power Moamar Kadhafi refuses to leave power despite an increasingly bloody revolt, leading to the death of one of his sons and the arrest of another on charges of crimes against humanity. Nato-backed rebels celebrate the end of “Kadhafi era” as they enter Tripoli.
Yemen
Protest against President Ali abdulah Saleh intensify as southern secessionists and tribes loyal to sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar join movement. Saleh, wounded in a shell attack by tribesmen in June, seeks treatment in Saudi Arabia. Al-Qaeda steps up suicide attacks.
Abdul Rasheed