Gaddafi accuses al-Qaeda of causing uprising

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LIBYAN leader Muammar Gaddafi made an audio address on state TV on Thursday, blaming the unrest that threatens his rule on Usama bin Laden and accusing protesters of being on drugs.

In the statement, apparently from the town of Zawiyah, 30 miles from capital Tripoli, Gaddafi said protesters were under the influence of al Qaeda inciters.
"Al Qaeda has reached certain parts of our country. These [inciters] don't care about you ... all they want is to kill your kids so they can have control.
That's exactly what bin Laden wants, he should be happy now," said Gaddafi. He added, "Oil flow will be stopped, how will we sustain a living? Will bin Laden sustain our families?".
Zawiyah was the scene of heavy fighting earlier in the day between government forces and protesters, according to footage aired by Al Jazeera.
Gaddafi accused young protesters of taking hallucinogenic drugs. "Teenagers feel trigger happy, they shoot especially when they get stoned with drugs," he said.
Gaddafi said the uprising had cut off main roads and isolated parts of the country, and he did not know "when the violence would come to an end."
"You should take the guns away from the kids, this is the responsibility of all parents. Then you should arrest those behind them, those who have caused this mess," he said.
The recording was Gaddafi's third statement since protests began on Feburary 15, following a 22-second video clip to deny he had fled the country and a rambling, 75-minute speech Tuesday in which he threatened violence.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH