AP Interview: Libyan Rebels Plead for No-fly Zone

BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — A rebel leader is pleading with the international community to approve a no-fly zone over Libya as Moammar Gadhafi's forces gain strength in the east, securing a key port city and oil refinery.

Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the head of the opposition's interim governing council, also has expressed disappointment over the failure to act by the United States and other Western countries. The international community has largely expressed solidarity with the rebels fighting to oust Gadhafi but stopped short of approving any military action.

Abdul-Jalil tells The Associated Press in an interview Saturday that there will be a "catastrophe in Libya" if a no-fly zone isn't imposed in Libya. He also wants restrictions on the Libyan leader's ability to import weapons.