LIBYA: Resistance surfaces in capital.
Rebel sympathizers, driven underground by a security clampdown in Tripoli, have resorted to furtive protests such as writing “No” next to pro-government wall graffiti and releasing balloons with rebel flags attached, according to two Libyans who have escaped the capital.
The two men spoke after reaching the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi, offering a rare snapshot of anti- government resistance in the capital.
In the latest round of clashes, fierce fighting was reported in the town of Dafniya, near Misrata, with seven rebels killed and 46 wounded, said anti- government activist Faraj Akwedeir. Moammar Gadhafi’s troops “tried to enter Misrata from several fronts but our fighters stopped them,” he said.
EGYPT: Court acquits three Mubarak ministers.
An Egyptian court acquitted three Hosni Mubarak-era Cabinet ministers of corruption Tuesday, the first verdicts in favor of ousted regime figures since the president was forced from power in February.
The verdicts followed days of rioting and protests by Egyptians furious over the procedures and the slow pace of justice for police who killed more than 800 demonstrators during the 18-day uprising and for former regime officials who ordered the violent crackdown.
Many lawyers defended the judiciary, saying Tuesday’s decision shows that it is professional and not driven by popular rage.
BAHRAIN: Reconciliation talks underway.
A Bahraini opposition figure said reconciliation talks between the Sunni monarchy and the Shiite opposition started Tuesday for the first time since anti-government demonstrations erupted in the Persian Gulf kingdom.
Washington has pushed for dialogue in the strategic island nation, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
The opposition figure, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed that the government-led talks took place behind closed doors in the capital, Manama. The talks are scheduled to last until the end of the month, with about 300 delegates from government-linked groups and opposition parties meeting three times a week.
ISRAEL: Israeli general says Iran exploiting unrest.
Israel’s military intelligence chief said Tuesday that Iran has exploited the recent unrest in the Middle East to deepen its influence throughout the region, accusing the Islamic Republic of actively intervening in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and beyond.
Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi told Israeli lawmakers that Iran was involved in planning two violent confrontations with crowds that tried to breach Israel’s frontiers with Lebanon and Syria. He also said Iran, along with the Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah, is providing assistance to the Syrian regime in suppressing mass protests against it.
Kochavi did not provide evidence to support his claims.
Denver Post wire services
