Libya: archbishop condemns bombing of civilians

Archbishop Giovanni Martinelli

Archbishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli was invited together with the Diplomatic Corps, to attend the funeral of Colonel Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Arab yesterday.

Saif al-Arab, 29, one of Gaddafi's six sons, was killed by a NATO raid on his home in Tripoli, with his wife and three of Gaddafi`s grandsons: Saif, two, Cartago, three and Mastura four months. According to the Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim, Gadhafi was also in the house, however, he remained unharmed.

Archbishop Martinelli said: "Some say that Saif al-Arab is not dead. I can only report what I saw, that is to say a body completely bandaged, but the Libyan government has officially confirmed his death”.

He added: "Yesterday I went to see the house hit by four NATO missiles. The house was a home in the midst of other civilian houses. I think we are playing too much with the lives of civilians. I want to stress that in this raid children died, too. This makes it increasingly difficult for a peaceful solution, because it stirs up anger. Yesterday, as a result of this raid, people set fire to embassies. I repeat that bombs do not solve the problems. I wonder if we should suspend the bombing at least to respect the grief of family members”.

Source: Fides