Two opinions on the escalating crisis in Libya

The Libyan people have taken the path to liberty and declared to the world community that the will of the people is freedom from tyranny. We have undertaken this path using peaceful demonstrations. In return, the tyrant Muammar Qaddafi has responded with killing people by any means, including tanks and aircraft. Tyrants have existed all throughout history to create friction, instability and chaos.

The Libyan people strive for a government whose leadership will be chosen in free and fair elections, a constitution that guarantees fundamental human rights to all, equality and rule of law, freedom to assemble, free speech and a free press, and securing energy resources for all people. Humanity is awakening to a new wave of change, the wave of human liberty from tyranny.

Ictor Alison, Libya

I refer to the news article UN demands access to wounded civilians in Libya (March 8). Until now, the regime of Muammar Qaddafi was widely recognised. Regardless of what one thinks of him, there is a legitimate means by which individuals or political groups in opposition can vent their views and seek to replace unpopular governments.

It is incorrect to say that Qaddafi's reactions to the secessionist movement within Libya are illegal.

Britain prosecuted a war against the IRA in Northern Ireland for the same reason: they took up arms in fighting to secede from Britain.

India prosecutes a similar violent campaign against Kashmiris seeking to secede. Separatism in Tibet is legend. At least in the latter the secessionist movement has not sought to violently overthrow their masters.

In Libya they have been seizing military equipment. The response must be met with violence.

Gopal Raj Kumar, Malaysia

Welcome move to a green capital

The news article Playgrounds and parks are sprouting all over the capital(March 10) reported that more than 130 green recreation spaces will open this year in Abu Dhabi. It's a good move from the government. I hope they add more basketball courts as well as a lot of people (expatriates and locals) are into the sport now and there are limited places to play.

Jonathan Salazar, Abu Dhabi

Common sense is the best deterrent

In reference to the news article Safety measures defended after three drown in sea (March 7), why won't people take responsibility for their own actions? This is a typical British Health and Safety mentality gone mad.

If the sea is rough, don't swim. If there is a bus driving along the road, don't jump in front of it. If there is a pot boiling on the stove, don't put your hand in it. It's very simple.

Lizzie English, Abu Dhabi

Suggestions for ambulances

The news article Sirens wail yet drivers fail to move (March 5) highlighted the problem of ambulances forced to battle hold ups in Dubai traffic. I read this story with great interest and have some thoughts. If the emergency vehicle has its strobe lights flashing and the siren sounding, is there any need for also having the hazard lights turned on? I recently tried moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle but could not tell which direction it wished to take as there were no indicators, only four-way hazards.

I usually have a laugh when driving in foggy conditions listening to the adverts from the Abu Dhabi police asking drivers not to use their hazard lights in fog but only dipped headlights. I invariably come across a police patrol car with hazard lights and no headlights. The officers are obviously not listening to the right radio station and missed the morning briefing.

Mary Thorpe, Abu Dhabi

But who will guard the guards?

In reference to India takes on corruption in a campaign not likely to be won soon (March 6), the position of head of the anti-corruption watchdog should go to someone who is not appointed by the people he is meant to investigate.

I am truly saddened because India is one of the greatest countries in the world with even greater potential but currently we are all selling our country and its future to the highest bidder.

Vaish Words, India

Islamic financing means no interest

I refer to Emirates Islamic Bank targets small businesses (March 9). There is an error in this article. The reporter wrote: "As part of the scheme, Emirati nationals receive financing at zero interest." Islamic financing does not charge "interest" because interest is associated with usury. Instead, they charge for services rendered.

Abdul Ismail, Abu Dhabi