NATO said its missiles had hit a site in Libya used by Muammar Gaddafi’s forces to stockpile military supplies and vehicles, while Gaddafi’s state media said 15 civilians had been killed. A top rebel official said rebels would be ready to discuss any political settlement that did not involve Gaddafi remaining in power, although no proposals had emerged yet at talks with Gaddafi allies that were taking place through intermediaries.
The attack late on Friday was the second within hours on what NATO said were clearly identified military targets in the coastal city of Brega, around 200 km (130 miles) west of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi. Libyan state television said a local bakery and a restaurant had been hit, wounding 20 people in addition to the 15 dead. State news agency Jana said a strike in the same area earlier on Friday had killed five civilians. “We have no indications of any civilian casualties in connection to these strikes,” a NATO official said.
‘Gaddafi staying in Libya and in power’
TRIPOLI – Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi has no intention of leaving power or Libya, despite rebel claims they are expecting a proposal to end the conflict from Tripoli very soon, the government spokesman said on Sunday. “Gaddafi is here. He is staying. He is leading the country. He will not leave. He will not step down because he does not have any official position,” Mussa Ibrahim said when asked about rebel reports that they expect an offer from Gaddafi very soon.
“We will not give in to some criminal gangs who took our cities hostage. We will not give in to the criminal organisation of NATO. Every one continues to fight. We are ready to fight street to street, house to house,” he added. Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, vice chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC), said on Saturday intermediaries had indicated that a proposal from Gaddafi was in the works, offering a faint glimmer of hope for a deal to end the bloodshed. AFP
