Libyan Rebels Say Italy Will Sell Them Firearms

BENGHAZI, Libya -- A spokesman for Libya's rebels says Italy has agreed to sell them arms for their fight against Muammar al-Qaddafi.

The Italian Foreign Ministry denied the claim.

The rebels' spokesman, Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, told a news conference Saturday that they expect to receive the armaments soon, though he gave no precise date.

The rebels, who have seized eastern Libya and set up a transitional administration in the city of Benghazi, have been pleading for heavy arms for weeks.

"When we get the arms we will finish the job," said Ghoga, referring to the goal of ousting Qaddafi.