Gaddafi would agree to transition talks - report

[Turborama]

Source: Reuters

Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:07am GMT

LISBON, March 10 (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi would agree to talks on the transition of power, Portuguese daily Publico on Thursday quoted a diplomatic source as saying after Foreign Minister Luis Amado met Gaddafi's envoy in Lisbon.

The source told Publico the message had to be taken with caution as it was given in response to Amado's proposals for a cessation of hostilities against the rebels and a peaceful change of power in the north African country.

"The emissary of the Libyan leader told Amado that Tripoli would accept 'to begin a negotiations process for a transition'," Publico said.

"It is too early, however, to evaluate the real intention of this message and to what extent it is not just a circumstantial declaration ... the message was not presented at the start of the meeting," it said.

Read more: http://af.reuters.com/article/libyaNews/idAFLDE7290KJ20110310

[PATRICK]

1. Since the guy has long since passed

the line, maybe it is just a time saving ploy well conceived to work at slowing the already ponderous move to a no-fly zone. As the rebels run out of ammo and the potential allies seem unable to remedy that situation maybe he still thinks to slaughter his way back into power.

Then again crafty survival of a mega rich loon dictates always having a weasel exit ready.

[Baclava]

2. Actions speak louder than words...

I wouldn't listen to a word that lunatic has to say.


Gaddafi troops pound Libya rebels out of Ras Lanuf

Thursday 10 March 2011 15.12 GMT



Libyan rebels have fled the strategic oil port of Ras Lanuf under a fierce barrage of artillery fire, air strikes and rockets as a counterattack by pro-Gaddafi forces appears to be gaining momentum.

Hundreds of opposition fighters left the city in cars and pickup trucks mounted with machine guns. At least four rockets exploded near the hospital and a mosque where rebel fighters had just finished praying, reports said, forcing medical staff to cram patients into the few ambulances available and evacuate them.

Fierce fighting has raged around the city, 300 miles east of Tripoli. The city has come under fire from warplanes, tanks and gunboats as the regime appears to be regaining the military initiative.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/10/ras-lanuf-rebel-retreat-libya

[nalnn]

3. The time for talk

Has long passed. He either needs to get out now or have a short drop and a sudden stop.