Dealing with both sides of Libyan divide (1)

I read with interest Carmel J. Farrugia’s letter entitled Libyans Had Better Go Their Separate Ways (March 23). There is no doubt at all that his resumé of post-war Libyan history is correct.

However, I must disagree with his implied conclusion that the present revolution in Libya is being conducted along tribal lines and that it had best be concluded by the two sides going there separate ways. The idea of partition was in fact suggested by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in his first address to the international press soon after the onset of the revolution.

The truth of the matter is that towns such as Al Zawija, Misurata and various others in Tripolitania also rose spontaneously at the onset of the revolt, as did also some of the citizens of Tripoli itself. They have suffered terribly as a consequence. Furthermore, the leaders of the revolution have repeatedly declared their intention to retain the unity of the Libyan nation.

Perhaps the Western nations should keep away from any suggestion that smacks of divide and rule. The people of Libya seem to wish to remain one nation.