- Title: LIBYA: Celebrations and reflection in Libya on 2nd revolution anniversary
- Date: 17th February 2013
- Summary: GIRLS AND A BOY OUT OF THE CAR'S WINDOWS HOLDING FLAG AND SHOWING VICTORY SIGN VARIOUS OF PEOPLE HOLDING FLAGS WALKING AT MARTYR'S SQUARE IN TRIPOLI THREE GIRLS STANDING WITH ONE OF THEM HOLDING A FLAG (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LOCAL RESIDENT, SONDOS, SAYING: "We are very happy for the event of 17\2, everyone is here spontaneously, everyone is walking happily because of this day and holding the flag."
- Embargoed: 4th March 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Libya
- City:
- Country: Libya
- Topics: Conflict,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVAELKYX0RI17Z6DU1WVCS44LWG7
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Thousands of Libyans took to the streets on Sunday (February 17) to mark two years since the start of the country's revolution.
Cars flying national flags and blasting national songs were the centre of noisy celebrations in the capital Tripoli.
"Our feelings is the same as all Libyans, we are celebrating and we are very happy, because this is the first time Libyans can feel the taste of happiness and freedom, we are living the freedom with all its meaning, and God is the greatest," said local resident Laila Abu Sha'ala.
"We are very happy for the event of 17/2, everyone is here spontaneously, everyone is walking happily because of this day and holding the flag," said local resident Sondos.
At the family home of Tariq Mohamed Greesh, who was killed by a sniper shot in the chest in a protest on 25 February 2011 in Tripoli, the mood was rather more subdued and reflective.
Tariq was a 34 year-old teacher. He left behind nine brothers and three sisters.
"Our family's happiness is mixed with sorrow -- they are happy for the liberation of Libya from the tyrant of the era, and remembering their fathers, sons, and brothers who were martyrs, we ask them for God's mercy, and today the families will go out to Martyrs' Square in indescribable happiness," said one of Tariq's brothers Saleh Greesh.
The family lives in the Tajora area of eastern Tripoli, which was one of the areas that first revolted against Gaddafi during the revolution.
Despite the jubilant scenes in Tripoli, leaders of groups seeking autonomy for eastern Libya cancelled a planned protest rally out of fear of violence.
"Today we are celebrating the second anniversary of the 17th of February revolution, there were supposed to be demands and protests for Benghazi and the east citizens, but the organizers decided to postpone it to avoid any kind of sedition, and so the happiness will be present between Libyan people," said Feras Abu Sallom.
Security is a particular headache in Benghazi, where violence against foreigners and police assassinations by Islamist militant groups have become common. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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