In a defiant address to the nation Libyan leader Mammar al-Gaddafi affirmed that he had no intention of stepping down. He stated, "Generations from now, Libya will be at the top! It will be the leader of Africa, Latin America and Asia; it will be the leader of the whole world!" Gaddafi also declared he had not yet used force against protestors but will use force according to international law as protests continue. The BBC reports that this statement comes as the death toll in Libya continues to rise and residents of Tripoli complain of the increasing number of dead bodies in the streets. Tripoli, the capital, was the most recent Libyan city to be struck by protests, yet eyewitnesses say that it has been subject to the worst attacks by security forces.

Al Jazeera’s Arabic language channel discussed the Libyan people’s reaction to Gaddafi’s speech. Libyan political activist Abdallah el-Fituri reports seeing people throwing shoes at television screens in anger. He states, “Libyans have spent 40 years listening to speeches without articulating their views. The day has come for the people to express themselves.”

Dubai TV also reports on the sweeping unrest in Libya, where two helicopter pilots and two more fighter jet pilots have defected and sought refuge in Malta. The pilots fled after refusing to open fire on protestors, as ordered by Libyan authorities. Both helicopters and fighter jets are being held in Malta’s airport. A number of Libyan diplomats have also condemned the regime’s crackdown on protestors. The Libyan embassies in Malaysia and Australia have stated they no longer represent the regime and four Libyan diplomats in China have resigned.

Lebanon’s New TV reports that The Beirut Theater is honoring the Egyptian and Tunisian people in a show called “The Rule of Bango.” The show praises both countries for opening the door to other Arab people in the quest for freedom. The Beirut Theater celebrates the victories in Egypt and Tunisia and their effect on countries throughout the Middle East.

Iran’s Arabic language channel, Al Alam, reports on ongoing protests in Bahrain, where thousands of protestors are still filling the streets of the capital. In an attempt to calm protestors, the Bahraini king issued a statement announcing the release of some prisoners and an end to the criminal prosecution of political activists. Demonstrators in the capital city of Manama remained unsatisfied and stated they will continue to protest until all of their demands are met. These demands include issues of political rights, respect of human rights, political participation, and policy reform.