Celebrations Making Anniversary of Feb.

17 Revolution Kicks Off. Tripoli, 17 February 2020(Lana) Celebrations marking the 9th anniversary of the February 17 Revolution, which toppled the regime of Gaddafi in 2011, officially kicked here on Monday. Thousands flocked to the Martyrs Square in downtown Tripoli on Sunday and also today, chanting revolutionary slogans in praise of the uprising which ended 4 decades of dictatorship and ushered in a new era in Libya. Similar festivities were expected to be organized in other cities and towns across the country. At yesterday's manifestations public troupes played folk music in the square including the malouf songs, popular in the Tripoli area and the western region. Streams of cars lined the streets leading to the Martyrs Square, re-named after the Revolution from the old Gaddafi era name of Green Square, sounding their horns as jubilant youth chanted in the square in the name of the revolution. Other parts of the capital including Suk Al Gomoa and Fashloum were scenes to public celebrations, with families and children gathered, waving independence flags, with manifestations of joy and jubilation. Families of martyrs in the 2011 uprising against the Gaddafi regime are also taking part in the celebrations as did the boy scouts, sports clubs and other civil society organisations. =Lana=