Jalil vows to rule Libya with ‘moderate Isam’

Amidst loud cheering from crows, Libya's interim leader yesterday pledged to rule by ''moderate Islam''. According to Mustafa Abdel Jalil, ''extremist ideology'' would not be tolerated in the new regime.

Thanking Britain for extending support to the National Transitional Council, he said women would play an active role in post-Gaddafi Libya.

Making his first public speech in Tripoli to a crowd of around 10,000 people, Jalil warned rebel forces against reprisals on Gaddafi loyalists. He said, ''We are a Muslim nation, with a moderate Islam, and we will maintain that. You are with us and support us. You are our weapon against whoever tries to hijack the revolution.

''We seek a state of law, prosperity and one where sharia is the main source for legislation. This requires many things and conditions.''

Earlier, former strongman Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, 69, vowed to fight on ''until victory and according to a loyalist TV station, added, ''All that remains for us is the struggle until victory and the defeat of the coup.''

The NTC is still struggling to establish control over the country and win a number of towns from pro-Gaddafi loyalists. According to senior NTC official, it was vital to capture Gaddafi and members of his family who are still on the run finally end the seven-month war and proclaim victory.