Libyan and US officials meet face-to-face
Despite a face-to-face meeting between US officials and Gaddafi aides, fighting continues in Libya and the two sides remain poles apart over any peaceful solution for the country.
While the Libyan Government said it welcomes dialogue, it remains defiant over the continued leadership of Muammar Gaddafi. But Washington says he must go to move things forward in Libya.
A US State Department Official said the meeting was held “to deliver a clear and firm message that the only way to move forward is for Gaddafi to step down. This was not a negotiation. It was the delivery of a message.” He said no more meetings were planned.
Libyan Government spokesman Ibrahim Moussa said: “Any dialogue with the French, Americans, British is welcome. We will discuss everything, but do not condition your peace talks. Let Libyans decide their future.”
He said the meeting was held in Tunisia on Saturday. On Friday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced US recognition of the rebels in Libya.
Fighting
The meeting took place as Libyan Government forces fought rebels for control of the oil port of Brega. More than 40 people on both sides were reported killed in the fighting since late last week.
Rebels and the Government are in conflict over who controls the town. Brega has changed hands several times since the conflict began in Libya earlier this year, after protests inspired by the Arab Spring were brutally suppressed by the Gaddafi regime.
