'Gaddafi's son appointed to key post'
Observers say move is first step in succession
The son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has been named coordinator of a grouping of tribal, political and business leaders, a Libyan paper said yesterday - making him the second most powerful figure in the country.
The exact powers Saif al-Islam will exercise are not clear, but the appointment as head of the "Popular Leaderships", if confirmed, is likely to convince many observers that he is being groomed as successor to his father.
The grouping has approved Saif al-Islam's appointment, the Oea newspaper said. Libyan media reported earlier this month Gaddafi had asked for Saif al-Islam to be given a senior government post.
A statement also said he would be given "all the power prerogatives to carry out his role towards building the Libya of the future", the newspaper reported. On October 6, Colonel Gaddafi told a meeting that "Saif al-Islam is a faithful man and loves Libya." His son should take a post with no term limit, he said. "Saif needs a position that allows him to pursue his role in carrying out his programme to further Libya's interests," he added.