Gaddafi forces push rebels back

TRIPOLI, Mar 30 (Agencies): Rebels in Libya are struggling to hold their front line after Col Muammar Gaddafi's forces recaptured several towns in the east of the country. The rebels have now lost the key oil port of Ras Lanuf and the nearby town of Bin Jawad. However, reports say the fighting is continuing in the area. In the west, the rebel-held town of Misrata is still coming under attack from pro-Gaddafi troops, reports say. US President Barack Obama earlier said in Washington he did not rule out arming the rebels. France and the US say they are sending envoys to the rebel-held city of Benghazi in the east to liaise with the interim administration there. And British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in London a UK diplomat met Libyan rebel leaders in Benghazi earlier this week. Another report from Brega in Libya, adds: Outgunned Libyan rebels called on coalition forces to launch fresh air strikes against Moamer Gaddafi's loyalists after fleeing the key oil town of Ras Lanuf under heavy fire on Wednesday. Members of the ragtag army, who regrouped near Brega, 240 kilometres (150 miles) south of the rebel stronghold Benghazi, also said they were in need of arms to take on Kadhafi's forces. There were around 200 rebels at a checkpoint outside Brega, who stood watching across the desert, their view limited to a few kilometres by sand in the air. They had abandoned Ras Lanuf in their hundreds and retreated from the front lines through Uqayla, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) to the east. Before leaving Brega, the insurgents closed down the small hospital and loaded up three wounded fighters, whom they said would be transferred to a hospital in Ajdabiya. Loyalist forces overran the Libyan oil town of Ras Lanuf on Wednesday, scattering outgunned rebels as world powers debated arming the rag-tag band of fighters seeking to oust Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi's troops swept through Ras Lanuf, strategic for its oil refinery, blazing away with tanks and heavy artillery fire soon after dawn. Panicked rebels fled in their hundreds through Uqayla, 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of Ras Lanuf. Meanwhile, in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad has told parliament those behind a "plot" against his country will be defeated. "Syria is a target of a big plot from outside - its timing, its format has been speeded up," he said. People were "duped" to go into the streets, he said, in his first speech since anti-government demonstrations erupted two weeks ago. More than 60 people have been killed during violent protests that began in the southern city of Deraa. "Deraa is in the heart of every Syrian," Mr Assad said. It was on the front line of Syria's enemy, Israel he said. He was interrupted several times by MPs enthusiastically pledging support. Mr Assad said reforms were needed in Syria and leaders must listen to the voice of the people. We have introduced reforms ourselves, but not because of pressure, the Syrian leader said. "Whoever wants reform, we are here," he said. "Reform is not seasonal. There are no real hurdles to it." Mr Assad had been expected to announce a lifting of the state of emergency in place for the past 50 years. He did not do so, but said a draft bill on that - along with other reforms - was taking too long. Last Tuesday, the country's cabinet resigned and huge crowds took to the streets to show support for Mr Assad. There were reports that many of the supporters had been mobilised by the government. Members of unions controlled by the Baath Party said they had been ordered to attend the rallies, according to Reuters. A new cabinet - which will have the role of implementing the expected reforms - is expected to be named by the end of the week. An ally of Iran and sworn foe of Washington's key regional partner Israel, Syria's government has been facing demands for major change by protesters emboldened by popular uprisings in the Arab world. Assad was widely expected to elaborate on a string of reforms announced last week, which came in response to two weeks of protests demanding reform and more freedoms in the country ruled by the Baath party since 1963. Syrian rights activists have accused security forces of killing 130 people in the crackdown, while Amnesty International says upward of 55 people have been killed. Officials put the toll at some 30 killed. The new cabinet, which is expected to be announced by the end of the week, will face the task of implementing the reforms.