A rebel spokesman said any deal designed to keep Colonel Gaddafi or his sons in place would not be acceptable
Monday, 11 April 2011
Libya rebels weigh AU truce plan
Members of an African Union delegation are offering a peace proposal to end Libya's eight-week-old conflict to rebel leaders in the city of Benghazi.
The AU says the government has already accepted the plan. The delegation met leader Col Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday.
Rebels promised to study the plan, but ruled out a truce unless Col Gaddafi stepped down and his forces withdrew.
Pro-Gaddafi forces have recently pushed back rebels - but Nato has thwarted their advance.
Nato says its planes destroyed 25 government tanks in Ajdabiya on Sunday alone.
The alliance said it had "taken note" of the AU initiative and welcomed efforts to save Libyan civilians.
The AU deal's main points are:
An immediate ceasefireThe unhindered delivery of humanitarian aidProtection of foreign nationalsA dialogue between the government and rebels on a political settlementThe suspension of Nato airstrikesAnalysis
The African Union does not have a good reputation when it comes to solving crises. On Libya it is sounding determined and maintains it is in the unique position of being able to speak to both Col Gaddafi and the forces in Benghazi.
But any intervention which does not involve the removal from power of Muammar Gaddafi will be seen by some as the AU saving the Libyan leader. It has often been accused of standing up for the incumbents and is criticised as being a club which serves the interests of the continent's presidents more than the people.
The situation is muddied by money. Col Gaddafi has bankrolled the AU for years and he has bought friends in Africa.
Having complained that the West was ignoring Africa's view on Libya and pushing for regime change, the AU has a chance to take the lead. Now the tough part - convincing the Libyan rebels to hold fire and talk.
In all, the AU mission comprised representatives from five nations: presidents Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali and Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, and Uganda's Foreign Minister Henry Oryem Okello.
Mr Zuma, who led the delegation on its visit to Tripoli, is now returning to South Africa.
The five-strong panel was approved by the European Union.
The AU delegation arrived in Benghazi to a rough reception, with demonstrators shouting "Gaddafi out" and mobbing their vehicles, reports the BBC's Jon Leyne in the city.
More protesters have gathered at the hotel where they are due to stay.
Our correspondent says the opposition will be very uneasy that they are in danger of being outmanoeuvred by this delegation, which they will see as being very sympathetic to Col Gaddafi.
Earlier rebel spokesman Mustafa Gheriani told Reuters the proposal would be considered, but "the Libyan people have made it very clear that Gaddafi must step down".
Another spokesman, Shamsiddin Abdulmolah, told AFP news agency: "The people must be allowed
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