Libyan rebel chief denies Gaddafi talks

The head of Libya’s National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, yesterday said the rebels were not holding talks with Muammar Gaddafi’s regime and insisted the embattled strongman must quit.

“There are no negotiations, either direct or indirect, with the Gaddafi regime,” Mr Abdel Jalil said, following reports, already denied by NTC officials, that talks had taken place on the Tunisian island of Djerba.

“The NTC has no knowledge of, and does not back, these talks,” he said, adding that discussions were “unthinkable” unless Col Gaddafi first steps down.

On Monday, sources close to the Tunisian security services reported talks between Libya’s warring parties had taken place in Djerba, near the Libyan border, with United Nations envoy Abdul Ilah al-Khatib.

Rebel officials said there were some Libyans taking part in the talks, but that they did not represent Benghazi.

The talks have drawn attention, as much for their timing as their content.

Col Gaddafi’s regime has come under intense pressure in recent days as rebel fighters – aided by Nato – have broken a long-standing military stalemate on three fronts, and are now bearing down on Tripoli.

The pressure appears to have taken its toll, forcing the apparent defection of Col Gaddafi’s Deputy Interior Minister to Cairo.

Mr Abdel Jalil yesterday sought to speed up the rate of defections, promising a fair trial for members of the regime without blood on their hands, or an amnesty for others.

But the invitation did not extend to Col Gaddafi and his closest allies, naming Col Gaddafi’s son Seif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi.

“Anyone who is accused, or has an (International Criminal Court) arrest warrant in his name will fall under international jurisdiction and we will not be able to accept immunity or amnesty for them.”

Mr Abdel Jalil said that Col Gaddafi’s crimes and those of his closest allies meant he will face international justice.