LIBYA

U.S. stocks dropped as a spike in oil prices (driven by deepening unrest in Libya) overshadowed a strong February jobs report.

At least thirty civilians have been killed in the western city of Az Zawiyah after soldiers loyal to Moammar Gaddafi tried to seize control of the rebel-dominated town, which is near the capitol of Tripoli.

The Libyan telecommunications operator has cut off Internet traffic from inside the country.

Gold rose toward $1,425 an ounce on Friday as U.S. February payrolls data supported expectations the Federal Reserve will hold off tightening monetary policy and as unrest in North Africa continued.

Many Bangladeshis remain stuck in Tripoli and other cities, but cannot leave due to the extremely volatile situation between pro- and anti-Gaddafi forces; while others have struggled to cross into neighboring Tunisia.

Moammar Gaddafi has reportedly hired the services of hundreds of Tuaregs from the nation of Mali and Niger as mercenaries in Libya.

Libyan state television Al-Jamahiriyah has broadcast footage of three Dutch soldiers (including one woman) who were captured by forces loyal to Moammar Gaddafi while trying to help evacuate foreign citizens from the strife-torn country.

Security forces in the Libyan capitol of Tripoli have fired tear gas on hundreds of protesters who gathered on the streets after Friday prayers.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to a higher opening on Friday ahead of key monthly non-farm payrolls and unemployment data from the government.

Opposition leaders who now control much of eastern Libya have rejected overtures to enter into negotiations unless Muammar Gaddafi steps down and departs into exile.

The director of the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) has quit over the school’s connections to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi.

Gold fell nearly 1.5 percent on Thursday, snapping a four-day winning streak as indications the European Central Bank may raise interest rates to battle inflation dented bullion's investment appeal.

Following Nelly Furtado's initiative, singers Beyoncé and Mariah Carey said they will each return the $1 million they received for performing for Libya dictator Moammar Gaddafi's family.

The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless aid hit the lowest level in more than 2-1/2 years last week and service sector hiring picked up in February, signs the labor market recovery was quickening. Another report on Thursday confirmed business productivity picked up a bit in the fourth quarter

South Africa's rand retreated against the dollar on Thursday after jumping nearly two percent the previous day, while market anticipation of increased supply weighed on government bonds.

Muammar Gaddafi struck at rebel control of a key Libyan coastal road for a second day on Thursday but received a warning he would be held to account at The Hague for suspected crimes by his security forces.

U.S. stocks rallied in early trade on Thursday as stronger than expected initial jobless claims data and an easing of oil prices after reports of a possible peace deal in Libya buoyed sentiment.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has reportedly accepted an offer of mediation from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez while an opposition group has rejected it, according to a report.

The ongoing violence in Libya will cost Russia a $4-billion payday from an arms deal it had earlier agreed to with Moammar Gaddafi, according to the Interfax news agency, quoting Sergei Chemezov, head of the state holding company that controls arms exports.

U.S. stocks advanced in early trade on Thursday after official data showed that applications for jobless benefits in the U.S. fell unexpectedly last week to reach the lowest level since May 2008, indicating an improving labor market.

The Dutch Defense Ministry announced that three of its marines have been captured in Libya by troops loyal to Moammar Gaddafi, while participating in an operation to help evacuate foreigners out of the country.