Libyan Ambassador to Zimbabwe defends his decision to defect to rebels

Mr Elmagrahi defended his decision saying he was following the will of the people. "We have a transition. We will follow our friendship with them (Zimbabwe). We will respect all our agreements with them. I represent all Libyans. I follow what they want. When they are like this, I follow them. I follow what they choose," he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Magrahi yesterday bemoaned foreign direct intervention saying it had denied constructive direct dialogue between Libyans despite efforts by the African Union.

"H.E the Ambassador Taher A El Magrahi, is obliged to express his profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the pivotal role and spirited effort at the Africa Union Peace and Security Council, aiming at finding a peaceful settlement for the Libyans crisis without foreign interference and African initiated solutions for African problems.

"Unfortunately this did not happen and the gravity of the crisis was compounded by the foreign direct intervention that denied any form of constructive direct dialogue between Libyans," he said.

Ambassador Magrahi said his appointment was done to represent the interests of the Libyan people and to enhance bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Libya and "not representing the continuously changing political figures".

"The new flag that has been hoisted at the Embassy is the original flag of Libyan independence in 1951. This is the original Libyan flag of the independence of Libya, highly respected by all Libyans and has nothing to do with the changes that have taken place," he said.

Ambassador Magrahi said he would continue to stand by the side of the Libyan people "by representing their interests, freedom of choice and will no matter whatsoever, knowing that the volatility of the protracted Libyan crisis has created a new situation on the ground.

"Any decision taken by anyone regarding the new changes that have taken place requires a high degree of far-sightedness, judiciousness and candidly balanced approach taking into consideration the sensitivities of tormenting consequences of this horrific bloody conflict that has claimed an overwhelming number of victims and painfulness of the devastation caused and continued suffering of ordinary Libyans," Ambassador Magrahi said.