LIBYA: The former governor of Libya's central bank, detained by new transitional authorities, reflects on his role in the Gaddafi regime, and says he is still ready to serve his country
Record ID:
560524
LIBYA: The former governor of Libya's central bank, detained by new transitional authorities, reflects on his role in the Gaddafi regime, and says he is still ready to serve his country
- Title: LIBYA: The former governor of Libya's central bank, detained by new transitional authorities, reflects on his role in the Gaddafi regime, and says he is still ready to serve his country
- Date: 15th September 2011
- Summary: ZAWIYAH, LIBYA (SEPTEMBER 13. 2011) (REUTERS) ABDEL HAFID ZLITNI, GOVERNOR OF LIBYA'S CENTRAL BANK UNTIL THE FALL OF MUAMMAR GADDAFI, SEATED WITH NTC (NATIONAL TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL) COMMANDERS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ABDEL HAFID ZLITNI, FORMER LIBYAN CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR, SAYING: "The people will not rebel and sacrifice their blood unless there is a big problem. I may not be aware of the feelings of all these people but there is a big problem. This problem has grown through the eruption of the revolution. Thank God." ZLITNI BEING INTERVIEWED (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ABDEL HAFID ZLITNI, FORMER LIBYAN CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR, SAYING: (Reporter: Where do you think you belong in the divisions of the people?) "I am a Libyan citizen, faithful to this country and I believe that I am a competent person in terms of the work I perform. I am ready to work, as long as I am physically able, and as long as I live." (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ABDEL HAFID ZLITNI, FORMER LIBYAN CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR, SAYING: (Reporter: Are you ready to be prosecuted and face trial?) "With pleasure. As the counsellor said, we have all worked under this regime and we are all accountable for any mistakes under the rule of the law. I have absolutely no problem." ZLITNI SEATED WITH COMMANDERS
- Embargoed: 30th September 2011 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Libya
- Country: Libya
- Topics: Conflict,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA3S3K80DVYQBEDHITQW2NEZM3T
- Story Text: The security forces of Libya's new transitional authorities detained the former governor of the country's central bank on Tuesday (September 13).
Abdel Hafid Zlitni, who surrendered at his home in Zawiyah, became just the latest member of Muammar Gaddafi's fallen regime to throw himself on the mercy of the former rebels, while pledging allegiance to a transformed Libya.
Zlitni was secretary of planning and finance until the uprising broke out in February, and Gaddafi ordered him to replace a central bank governor from Benghazi whose loyalty could no longer by assured.
On Tuesday, just three weeks after Gaddafi's forces were pushed out of Tripoli, Zlitni found himself reflecting on his role in Gaddafi's regime, while seated with commanders of Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC).
"The people will not rebel and sacrifice their blood unless there is a big problem. I may not be aware of the feelings of all these people, but there is a big problem. This problem has grown through the eruption of the revolution," he said. "Thank God."
Zlitni defended his own role, saying he had been competent at his job, while not responsible for political decisions. And he said he was ready to remain in the service of his country.
"I am a Libyan citizen, faithful to this country, and I believe that I am a competent person in terms of the work I perform. I am ready to work, as long as I am physically able, and as long as I live," he said.
Gaddafi's former central bank governor acknowledged that he now faced the possibility of being put on trial, but said he accepted such a prospect with pleasure.
"We have all worked under this regime and we are all accountable for any mistakes under the rule of the law. I have absolutely no problem," he said.
Gaddafi himself - Libya's absolute ruler for more than 40 years - remains at large, along with key members of his family and entourage. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None