Gaddafis looking for way out, rebels reject proposals

The Libyan rebels have rejected proposals by Muammar Gaddafi's sons for a transition to constitutional democracy that would include their father's removal from power, while Seif al-Islam will take over the government.

Greece's foreign minister said after a meeting in Athens between the prime minister and a Libyan envoy that the Gaddafi's regime was "looking for a solution."

The New York Times reported that at least two of Gaddafi 's sons are proposing a transition to a constitutional democracy that would include their father's removal from power.

A Gaddafi envoy, Deputy Foreign Minister Abdelati Laabidi, is due to travel to Turkey from Greece today and then on to Malta.

"According to what the Libyan envoy said, the regime seems to be looking for a solution," Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas said.

The New York Times, citing an unnamed diplomat and a Libyan official briefed on the plan, said the transition would be spearheaded by one of Gaddafi's sons, Seif al-Islam.

It is not clear whether Gaddafi, 68, has signed on to the reported proposal backed by his sons, Seif and Saadi, the report said.

But one person close to these sons said the father appeared willing to go along, the paper said.

The two sons "want to move toward change for the country" without their father, The Times quoted one person close to the Seif and Saadi camp as saying.

"They have hit so many brick walls with the old guard, and if they have the go-ahead, they will bring the country up quickly."

The defection of Gaddafi's top officials have been seen as a sign his regime is crumbling and that he is becoming more and more isolated.