Gadaffi: I Will Die Here As A Martyr

Libyan dictator Muammar Gadaffi just appeared on state television to declare that he will not step down and that he plans to "die here as a martyr.'

He described protesters who have carried out days of anti-government demonstrations as "rats", adding: "This is my country and the country of our ancestors". Speaking in a loud voice, Col Gadaffi has claimed that Libya's image was being distorted by foreign media and that world leaders were conspiring against the country. "They want to disfigure and undermine and tarnish the reputation of the people and the country," he said as he called on his supporters to take to the streets on Wednesday. Earlier, Libyan state TV declared he was set to announce plans to devolve some of his powers after 41 years of rule.

Many nations are presently evacuating their citizens from Libya as widespread civil unrest and government reprisals continue.