Libyan Rebels Cheered by Defections

Libyan rebels are cheering the recent defection of two high-level envoys from leader Moammar Gadhafi's government, as authorities in Tripoli are reported to be tightening security to prevent more senior officials from leaving the country.

Opposition spokesman Mustafa Gheriani said Thursday that anti-government forces believe the Gadhafi regime is beginning to crumble from within. He spoke in the eastern city of Benghazi, the rebel's de-facto capital.

Ali Abdessalam Treki, a former foreign minister and U.N. General Assembly president, announced his departure Thursday on several opposition websites, and fled to Egypt. He said it is Libya's right to live in freedom, democracy and prosperity.

Treki's defection follows that of Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa, who fled to Britain late Wednesday. Koussa was a long-standing confidante of Mr. Gadhafi and was described as one of the pillars of his government.

Libya's former deputy ambassador to the United Nations, Ibrahim Dabbashi, said more high-level Libyans could defect within days. He said authorities have begun assigning guards to senior officials.

Meanwhile, the Libyan strongman struck a defiant stance, saying he is not the one who should resign but rather Western leaders who have decimated his military with airstrikes. State television quoted Mr. Gadhafi as saying the leaders of allied countries are affected by power madness.

Earlier Thursday, a Gadhafi spokesman downplayed Koussa's resignation. Moussa Ibrahim said the resignation does not represent a blow to Libya despite Western claims otherwise.

Troops loyal to Mr. Gadhafi continued to push back rebels from the oil town of Brega amid fierce fighting on Thursday. Opposition forces, emboldened by news of Koussa's defection, regrouped and fought to check the advance.

Many civilians also have fled Ajdabiya, a rebel-held city abo! ut 80 ki lometers to the east, fearing that government troops are on their way.