Gaddafi's son says protesters are being manipulated

By Lelethu Mquqo
27 February 2011

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son says anti-regime protesters are being manipulated and protests have opened doors to a civil war in the country.

In a television interview yesterday, Seif al-Islam Kadhafi said three-quarters of the country is living in peace, although the uprising which started almost two weeks ago has resulted in chaos in the city of Benghazi and much of the east of the country.

He says protesters are being provoked by terrorists.

It is reported that thousands have been killed in violent attacks from Gaddafi's security forces.

Seif al-Islam Kadhafi has denied this and says those who have died, died while trying to ambush military areas.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has called on Gaddafi to leave immediately.

Obama says the Libyan leader no longer has a right to rule his country since he has started using mass violence against his own people.