Libya Rebels 'Reject Gaddafi Talks Offer'

Rebel forces controlling much of eastern Libya say they have rejected an offer of negotiations with the regime of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi.

A spokesman for the so-called National Libyan Council said the proposal had been made by a representative "seeking to negotiate Gaddafi's exit".

Mustafa Gheriani, the group's media officer, said: "We are not negotiating with someone who spilled Libyan blood and continues to do so. Why would we trust the guy today?"

The reported overtures from Gaddafi's government came as Britain and France stepped up plans for a military no-fly zone over the North African country.

The UK and France are seeking United Nations backing to carry out air patrols to prevent the leader's warplanes from attacking civilians as the two sides battle for key towns on the strategically important coast.

Witnesses reported a number of air strikes in Ras Lanuf on Tuesday, but it was unclear if there were any casualties.

The oil town is effectively the frontline after the eastern rebels advance appeared to have stalled at Bin Jawad after Gaddafi's forces dug in around the town, about 40 miles to the west.

Several were killed and some 50 wounded in Bin Jawad during fighting the previous day, doctors said.

In two western towns, Misrata and Zawiyah, there are now mounting concerns of a humanitarian crisis, with civilians reportedly surrounded by Col Gaddafi's forces.

Witnesses reported a number of air strikes in Ras Lanuf on Tuesday, but it was unclear if there were any casualties.

The oil town is effectively the frontline after the eastern rebels advance appeared to have stalled at Bin Jawad after Gaddafi's forces dug in around the town, about 40 miles to the west.

Several were killed and some 50 wounded in Bin Jawad during fighting the previous day, doctors said.



In two western towns, Misrata and Zawiyah, there are now mounting concerns of a humanitarian crisis, with civilians reportedly surrounded by Col Gaddafi's forces.

US President Barack Obama has until now appeared to rule out the idea of military action.

But he hinted that Col Gaddafi will pay the price for the violence, saying he wanted to "send a very clear message to the Libyan people that we will stand with them in the face of unwarranted violence and the continuing suppression of democratic ideals".

The White House has said it is considering arming rebel groups.

Col Gaddafi appeared on French television on Monday insisting the world's media was "twisting the facts" over the events in his country.

He repeated his claim that al Qaeda terrorists are behind the violence.

The UN has warned that a million people fleeing or inside the country need humanitarian aid.

A spokeswoman said: "People are injured and dying and need help immediately."