Armed civilians heighten Tripoli danger, cleric says

Nairobi, Kenya, August 25 (ENInews)--Thousands of small arms and light
weapons distributed to civilians by the government in Tripoli are adding to
the danger and instability of the city as rebel forces continued to fight
soldiers loyal to deposed dictator Moammar Gadhafi, a Libyan cleric has said.

The Rev. Amado Baranquel, a priest at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church,
the seat of the Vicariate of Tripoli, said the uncontrolled use of weapons
was confining civilians inside their houses and causing extreme fear. 

"They are using the guns any way they want. Some are using them for
looting," Baranquel told ENInews in a telephone interview on 25 August from
Tripoli. "We hope this (fighting) will end soon. Please pray for us."