TRIPOLI — Prime Minister Ali Zidan reacted forcefully to a question from the media about Libya using the West's help in its reconstruction and training. Speaking at a press conference, Zidan asked why this double standard when it came to the West? He continued: “We study, holiday, go for health treatment and buy the best cars from the West”, he explained. “Why not get the best for Libya and Libyans?” he asked. “Let's get rid of this complex put in place by a dictatorship," he added. “There is no shame in this (seeking help from the West), he concluded. Exasperated by his government's inability to bring law and order to the country, Prime Minister Zidan said that his government may have to “use force”. Zidan condemned the “selfish” behavior and “lack of patriotism” by some Libyans in post revolution Libya. He attacked those who steal and nab in the name of the thuwar (revolutionary fighters) and those who put their personal interests above those of the nation. “We may cut wages and sack those who strike and hold up national interests”, said Zidan, referring to the strategic Zueitina Oil and Gas Terminal strikers who have cut off gas supplies to power stations causing wide electricity cuts in Tripoli. The prime minister, who has on numerous previous occasions refused to “spill further Libyan blood” by confronting law-breakers by force in the past, seems to be on the verge of a u-turn on this controversial policy. Up to this point, Zidan had gone out of his way to send out conciliatory signals, preferring negotiations and discussions rather than confrontation. — Libya Herald
