Muammar al-Gaddafi Asks NATO for Cease Fire

Muammar al-Gaddafi, the long-time Libyan leader, asked NATO Saturday to negotiate a cease-fire and stop their air strikes, which Gaddafi says has killed civilians and destroyed his nation’s infrastructure.

“Come and negotiate with us. You are the ones attacking us. You are the ones terrifying our kids and destroying our infrastructure. You American, French and British come and negotiate with us,” Gaddafi said in a 45-minute address on Libyan state TV.

CNN reported that it was Gaddafi’s first public appearance since airstrikes began last month. The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution to allow any force necessary in order to protect Libyan civilians. Citizens have been demanding the resignation of Gaddafi, who has led the country for nearly 42 years.

NATO began following the resolution on March 31, and has since deployed 4,398 military units, of which 1,821 were strike sorties.