Cameron 'Proud' Of Britain's Role In Libya

The Prime Minister has said he is "proud" of Britain's role in the Libyan conflict as the country begins to adjust to the death of its former tyrant leader.

It is believed Muammar Gaddafi's Defence Minister, Abu Bakr Yunis, was also killed during the Thursday's bloody siege of Sirte – the last stronghold of Gadaffi's loyalist forces.

Reports are also emerging that the dictator's sons Mo'tassim and prospective heir, Saif al-Islam, are also rumoured to be dead.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on Thursday evening, David Cameron said: "I think today is a day to remember all of Colonel Gaddafi's victims, from those who died in connection with the Pan-Am flight over Lockerbie to Yvonne Fletcher in a London street and obviously all the victims of IRA terrorism who died through their use of Libyan Semtex.

"We should also remember the many, many Libyans who died at the hands of this brutal dictator and his regime.

"I'm proud of the role that Britain has played in helping them to bring that about and I pay tribute to the bravery of the Libyans who have helped to liberate their country.

Meanwhile, Ed Milliband said the death of Gaddafi marked the end of a tragic period in Libyan history.

"I pay tribute to the Libyan people for standing up to the former regime and seeking to define their own democratic destiny. We should be proud of the support that our armed forces have given to that cause.

"We should all hope that this day also marks the end of the armed conflict and the start of a period of stability where we see a transition to democratic government," he said.

Graphic pictures of Gadaffi's corpse have been circulating throughout the internet since news of his death broke on Thursday afternoon.

It was originally reported that the Colonel - who had ruled Libya for 42 years and flitted in and out of Western affections for decades – had been captured.

It is believed Gadaffi was originally taken alive, but was then shot through the temple after being dragged into a crowd of rebel forces.

A spokesman for Libya's National Transitional Council said the Colonel had been shot "in crossfire".

Us President Barack Obama also commented on the killing of the Libyan leader, saying: "This is a momentous day in the history of Libya. The dark shadow of tyranny has been lifted. And with this enormous promise, the Libyan people now have a great responsibility - to build an inclusive and tolerant and democratic Libya that stands as the ultimate rebuke to Gaddafi's dictatorship.

"We look forward to the announcement of the country's liberation, the quick formation of an interim government, and a stable transition to Libya's first free and fair elections."

(DW/BMcC)