Gadhafi calls on followers to prepare for battle

TRIPOLI – Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi early Monday called on his followers to prepare for the “battle to liberate” rebel-held towns in an audio message on Libyan television.

Much of the message was inaudible due to a “technical breakdown,” according to the television station which broadcast “live” Gadhafi’s statement as rumours circulated on Twitter and in certain media about his imminent departure into exile.

The veteran leader called on his supporters to resist and to “prepare for the battle to liberate” the towns held by the rebels, as the insurgents said they had advanced in western towns including Zawiyah, Sorman and Gharyan.

The television broadcast “live” images of the Green Square in the heart of Tripoli where hundreds of backers of the regime were assembled brandishing portraits of the “guide” and green Libyan flags.