Long live Libya and its independence

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez praised Libya's 'independence' on Thursday, saying longtime strongman Muammar Gaddafi is facing a civil war in his country.
"Long live Libya and its independence! Gaddafi faces a civil war!" the Venezuelan leader said in a Twitter message, his first reaction to unrest shaking Libya since February 15.
Chavez is Gaddafi's main ally in Latin America. Both leaders regularly make public condemnations of US "imperialism" and have exchanged visits in recent years.
Ties are so close that Gaddafi was rumoured on Monday to have fled to Caracas, claims later denied.