NATO Rejects Qaddafi's Call for Cease-Fire

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

TRIPOLI, Libya -- NATO powers rejected Muammar al-Qaddafi's call for a cease-fire and negotiations on Saturday, saying they need "actions not words," and aid ships were prevented from docking in a besieged coastal city while the alliance swept the port for mines.

Human Rights Watch said two mines had been destroyed by NATO forces combing the Misrata port while a third was being closely monitored. The alliance did not give details but said the process would take time.

"Mine clearance is a precise and highly skilled task, so it will take time to do this in a safe and effective way," NATO spokeswoman Carmen Romero said.

NATO also bombed a government complex that included the state television building in Tripoli. The Libyans alleged the strike was meant to kill Qaddafi as his address was broadcast live on state TV, but the TV building was not damaged and Qaddafi spoke from an undisclosed location.

In a rambling pre-dawn speech that lasted for more than an hour, Qaddafi appeared both subdued and defiant, repeatedly pausing as he flipped through handwritten notes.

"The door to peace is open," Qaddafi said, sitting behind a desk. "You are the aggressors. We will negotiate with you. Come, France, Italy, U.K., America, come, we will negotiate with you. Why are you attacking us?"

He said Libyans have the right to choose their own political system, but not under the threat of NATO bombings.

Rebel leaders have said they will only lay down their arms and begin talks on Libya's future after Qaddafi and his sons, some of whom hold powerful positions in the country, step aside. Qaddafi has repeatedly refused to resign.
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"Why are you attacking us?"

Given the lack of specific reasons for this conflict, I'm inclined to ask the same question...