Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has threatened to carry out attacks on civilians in Europe if NATO does not step its continuing air strikes against his regime.

Gaddafi spoke in a warning in a telephone speech to thousands of supporters gathered in the main square of the capital Tripoli Friday night, as cited by Xinhua.

He warned that Libyans could take revenge on European homes, offices and families. He also denounced the rebels as traitors and blamed them for Libya's troubles.

The popular uprising against his regime has been going on since February and Operation Odyssey Dawn, the NATO air and missile strikes – since March, and yet, Gaddafi's dictatorship is surviving.

Meanwhile, African heads of state have been trying to reach consensus on how to act with respect to Gaddafi at a meeting of the African Union.

The leaders are yet to agree on the procedures to follow in attempting to resolve the crisis, one of the biggest to face the African Union.

Libyan rebels have retreated after earlier advancing to within 80 km of Muammar Gaddafi's stronghold in the capital Tripoli. Meanwhile,

The rebels's five-day advance toward Bir al-Ghanam had raised the possibility of a breakthrough in a four-month old conflict. But now it will take longer time to achieve that goal. The reversal underlines the continued resilience of forces loyal to Gaddafi.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!