Slow return normality in Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Libya - A smiling Tripoli traffic policeman in a brilliant white uniform flashed a victory salute on his first day back at work on Sunday as a semblance of normality returned to the battle-scarred city.

A butcher slaughtered a camel on a street in the western Gorji district ahead of the breaking of the Ramadan fast as children sang and workers put up tents for the sunset feast.

Some shops were open and the gasoline black market thrived as people gather together to celebrate their new-found freedom.

"Our aim is not to make money but to help people to live their normal lives," said Ramadan Omran, his taxi overflowing with jerry cans of gasoline that he was selling under a Tripoli motorway bridge.