Libyan intelligence chief denies defection rumors

[April 01, 2011]  TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) -- Libya's chief of intelligence is knocking down rumors that he is among the government insiders who have abandoned their embattled leader, Moammar Gadhafi.

Libyan state TV aired a phone interview with the official, Bouzeid Dorda, who denied that he defected and said he will not "betray the people or the leader."

He said he never thought to the leave the country and will remain steadfast with Gadhafi "despite everything."

Two members of Gadhafi's inner circle, including his foreign minister, have abandoned him in recent days as international airstrikes against Libya continued. While fighting between government and rebel forces appears to be drifting toward stalemate, coalition diplomatic efforts are focused on breaking Gadhafi's hold on power.

[Associated Press]

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