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Al Jazeera reports that Libya is teetering on collapse as scores of people have been reported killed in continuing violence in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, amid escalating protests against Muammar Gaddafi's 40-year rule.

Some military officers have refused to carry out orders to kill civilians and bomb protesters, instead deciding to defect and flee the north African state.

Reports state that Libya's dictator Muammar Gaddafi has appeared on state television speaking for just 22 seconds: "I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela. Do not believe the channels belonging to stray dogs."

He was speaking outside his house on Tuesday "I wanted to say something to the youths at the Green Square (in Tripoli) and stay up late with them but it started raining. Thank God, it's a good thing," Gaddafi said. The United Nations Secretary-General has stated he is outraged at press reports that the Libyan authorities have been firing at demonstrators from war planes and helicopters: "Such attacks against civilians, if confirmed, would constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and would be condemned by the Secretary-General in the strongest terms," Ban ki-Moon said.

The UN Security Council is being urged by former Libyan diplomats to hold an emergency meeting and act to stop mass killings.

Also, reports are emerging that scores of Libya pilots flying Mirage fighter jets have landed at Malta Airport seeking asylum. Also nine Libyan diplomats around the world have resigned.

Earlier reports state that Libyan security forces have open fire on protesters killing hundreds in Tripoli and other Libyan cities. The protests have been gathering momentum, with demonstrators saying they have taken control of several important towns and the city of Benghazi, to the east of Tripoli. For More see Al Jazeera - Libya protests spread and intensify>>

ALSO: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has unleashed a bloody crackdown against pro-democracy protestors seeking his ouster, killing dozens of people in only four days of protests. On Sunday, the unrest spread to capital Tripoli from the eastern port city Benghazi. Libyan Internet activists have denounced the international community's failure to act over the "massacres" in Libya. For More see Al Jazeera - Gaddafi hits with deadly force >>

Click here for Al Jazeera's LIVE Stream.

MULTIMEDIA:

• TV3 Video - Libya Pilots Defect After Alleged Order To Bomb Protesters - Oil industry braces for fallout from Libya - Son of Gadhafi warns of civil war in Libya - Libya conflict: Gaddafi's son warns of 'river of blood' - Libya reports: Benghazi city falls to anti-govt forces - Libyan forces fire on mourners at funeral again

ALSO:

• United Nations - UN Outraged At Libya Authorities Firing On Civilians
• NZ Govt - Safety of New Zealanders in Libya
• US Secretary of State - Clinton's Statement On Situation in Libya - US State Department - US Travel Warning - Libya - United Nations - Ban Urges Restraint By Arab Leaders
• Scoop Business - While you were sleeping: Oil, gold soar on Libya - NZ dollar shrugs off Libyan unrest ahead of Fonterra meeting
• Int. Trade Union Confederation - ITUC Urges Gaddafi to End Massacre of Civilians in Libya
• Human Rights Watch - Govts Should Demand End To Unlawful Killings
• MFAT - Travel Advice for New Zealanders

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