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Germany Offers Loans to Libyan Rebels


German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (file photo)
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (file photo)

Germany is offering loans of up to $144 million to the Libyan rebels' leadership council to help with humanitarian needs and rebuilding.

Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Sunday his country is granting the loans because the frozen assets of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi cannot be released to the rebels at this time. He said the loans will provide a way to help the opposition council build up "necessary structures" and overcome a shortage of supplies.

The offer follows a meeting this month in Turkey, where more than 30 nations announced their support for the rebels' Transitional National Council.

Meanwhile, NATO has carried out more airstrikes in Libya’s capital, Tripoli.

Witnesses say there was at least one explosion near a residence of Moammar Gadhafi early Sunday.

Libyan state television also reported airstrikes in the capital, but gave no details. There were no reports of any casualties.

NATO said its planes on Saturday targeted Libyan military sites near Tripoli, Brega, Al Khum and other towns.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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