Updated - Adds Prime Minister's comments - Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi confirmed this morning that the government has received a request to meet Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Abdel Ati al-Obeidi, who is expected to visit Malta after Greece and Turkey.

Dr Gonzi said the government would tell the emissary that violence by Gaddafi's forces has to stop.

Dr Gonzi, who was speaking at a press conference on the third year of the government, also expressed his regret and disgust at violence in the Libyan town of Misurata, which is being pounded by Gaddafi forces.

(Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in Rome later today that the Libyan proposals lacked credibility because they lacked the pre-condition that Muammar Gaddafi and his family must leave Libya - see separate story).

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas said after meeting Mr al-Obeidi yesterday that the Gaddafi regime seems to be looking for a solution.

"We reiterated the clear message of the international community," said Droutsas in a statement. He cited "total compliance with and implementation of the UN resolutions, an immediate ceasefire, an end to the violence and acts of war, notably those targeting the Libyan civilian population".

A Greek government official said that Greece could "play a major role in finding a political solution" to the conflict in the north African country.

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.

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.

Mr al-Obeidi is due to travel to Turkey from Greece today and then on to Malta.

Meanwhile, The New York Times, citing an unnamed diplomat and a Libyan officia, said two of Gaddafi's sons are proposing a transition to constitutional democracy that would include their father's removal from power, while Seif al-Islam would take over the government.

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

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.

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