Libya crisis,latest news

Fighting was reported in both Zawiya, just 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli, and Gharyan, 80km to the south.

If the towns fall to the rebels, they would have Tripoli surrounded by land, with Nato blocking sea access.

In comments broadcast on Libyan TV, Col Muammar Gaddafi called on supporters "to get ready for the fight".

A spokesman for his government said both Zawiya and Gharyan remained "under our full control".

Col Gaddafi's short speech was his first public address since the rebels launched their offensive around Tripoli.

"Move forward, challenge, pick up your weapons, go to the fight for liberating Libya inch by inch from the traitors and from Nato," he said, in a statement in poor-quality audio early on Monday, described as live by Libyan TV.

There were unconfirmed reports, carried by the Reuters news agency, of a meeting between Col Gaddafi's representatives and rebels on the Tunisian island of Djerba.
Decisive moment

Foreign correspondents in Zawiya reported battles continuing between rebels and government forces a day after rebels pushed into the town in a dramatic advance.

Rebel fighters raised their red, green and black flag over the central market on Sunday, but gunshots and explosions could be heard in the town.

The rebels said pro-Gaddafi gunmen were sited on high buildings shooting at them.

Zawiya controls the main road west from Tripoli to the Tunisia - a key supply route for Col Gaddafi's forces.

Zawiya's oil refinery - the only one in western Libya - also supplies his forces with most of their fuel.

Syria unrest: '1,700 people have reportedly died

Syrian warships have joined a military assault on protesters in the northern port city of Latakia, activists say.

At least 19 people have been killed in the operation, according to activists and human rights groups.

Explosions and gunfire have been reported in several districts of the city which have seen large protests against the Syrian government.

More than 1,700 people have reportedly died in the six-month uprising against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.

The operation began on Saturday with armoured vehicles and troops moving in.
'Residents flee'

Some 20 tanks and personnel carriers were said to be taking part in the Latakia assault along with at least two gunboats.

One witness told Reuters news agency by telephone: "I can see the silhouettes of two grey [naval] vessels. They are firing their guns and the impact is landing on al-Ramleh, al-Filistini and al-Shaab neighbourhoods."A report on state television denied there had been any naval shelling.

Activists said at least two people were killed and 15 wounded in Saturday's attacks.

They said a large number of residents had fled the city and that telephones and internet connections had been cut off.

International journalists face severe restrictions in operating in Syria, and it is hard to verify reports.

Thousands of people were said to have come on to the streets of Latakia on Friday to demonstrate against the government.