Swansea activist jets out to Libya to help with peace effort
A PEACE activist has made the perilous trip to Libya to attend a conference aimed at ending the country's blood- shed.
Martin Longhurst from Brynmill in Swansea was due to be in Tripoli today as delegates gathered for a meeting to try to find a resolution to the armed conflict which is tearing the country apart.
-
Mr Longhurst is the only Welsh representative in Civilians for Peace, a group made up of people from all walks of life.
Officials
The group flew to Tunisia over the weekend before making the land journey to Tripoli where they would join Libyan government officials, leaders of African countries, including South African President Jacob Zuma, and activists from around the world.
The unemployed 36- year-old, who is originally from Port Talbot, said: "We are in Tripoli for a two-day conference which hopefully will promote peace. As a group we are calling for an immediate ceasefire on both sides and UN mon- itors to check it, peace talks, and humanitarian aid for people on both sides."
Fierce fighting is continuing in eastern Libya, with Colonel Gaddafi's forces pushing back rebels, despite bombing raids by Nato aircraft.
The uprising in Libya followed successful revolts which overthrew govern- ments in Egypt and Tunisia.
But people power in Libya has turned into armed conflict between rebels and Gaddafi loyalists.
Mr Longhurst, who last year took part in a convoy to Gazza, said: "To be honest I am a bit nervous about the trip — I have never been in to an active war zone.''
jason.evans@swwmedia.co.uk
9 Comments
by michelle, port talbot
Wednesday, May 04 2011, 2:38PM
“RIP Martin xxx Its tragic that youve been taken at such a young age .... my thoughts are with the family at this sad time x”
by Andym2011, Neath
Tuesday, April 12 2011, 10:52AM
“Idiot !! How long will it be before others have to risk their lives to get him out ? Reminds me of a certain gentleman in Iraq. Who then had the audacity to critisise his rescuers.
What exactly is this individual going to do to revert the course of events ?
Agree or disagree with the situation there. This man is reckless and very misguided.”
by spidey jones, Planet Earth
Tuesday, April 12 2011, 9:26AM
“He is unemployed that's a fact. As for activley looking for work how can he do that when is in libya?
Is this guy really the type of power broker who can bring peace to this conflict?
If so you think he'd be able to at least find himself a job”
by Heidekraut, Murmelt
Monday, April 11 2011, 7:41PM
“Swivaldo, Swansea
The article begins with the words: "A PEACE activist has made the perilous trip to Libya to attend a conference aimed at ending the country's bloodshed".
You seem to have honed-in on "unemployed" and decided that the word is a synonym of "workshy". I suppose it's a mistake regular readers of small-format British newspapers make.”
by Swivaldo, Swansea
Monday, April 11 2011, 6:26PM
“Gagaplanco. The article described Mr. Longhurst as unemployed. Maybe he should have been described as international do-gooder, super volunteer who probably does a lot of work for charitee and hell of a nice guy!”
by Gagaplanco, Phobi Island
Monday, April 11 2011, 5:27PM
“Swivaldo
I thought that I had read it all but, you've surprised me today.
Normally, swivel-headed bozos on this website state that the unemployed should be sent to places like Afghanistan but, you've labelled a volunteer who has gone to a war zone as "workshy". Also, you assume that the person is claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, has slipped out of the UK on the sly and is paying for the trip out of his own pocket.
btw: Whilst Gaza is in the Middle East, Libya is in North Africa.”
by Swivaldo, Swansea
Monday, April 11 2011, 2:56PM
“Good effort for someone who is unemployed that he can afford his annual trips to the Middle East! Maybe the benefit office can investigate his availability for work during this period and act accordingly. I for one am fed up of subsidising the workshy!”
by martin, swansea
Monday, April 11 2011, 1:41PM
“And a wig”
by martin, swansea
Monday, April 11 2011, 1:41PM
“And I'm sure Mr Longhurst's presence at the meeting will finally convince Col. Gaddafi of his wrong doings.
This guy really needs to get a hobby!!”