Gaddafi defiant as defections hit regime

MUAMMAR GADDAFI struck a defiant stance yesterday after two high-profile defections from his regime, calling instead on Western leaders “affected by power madness” to resign.

Gaddafi’s message was undercut by its delivery — a scroll across the bottom of state TV as he remained out of sight. The White House said the strongman’s inner circle was clearly crumbling with the loss of Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa, who flew from Tunisia to England on Wednesday.

Ali Abdessalam Treki, a former foreign minister and UN General Assembly president, announced his departure yesterday, saying “It is our nation’s right to live in freedom and democracy and enjoy a good life.”