Libya conflict still short of solution, rebels get more aid
TRIPOLI/BENGHAZI. July 7. KAZINFORM As the warring parties in Libya haven't come to terms with each other yet, more foreign humanitarian aid and loans were flowing into the rebels' stronghold of Benghazi; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
South African International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane confirmed Wednesday that Muammar Gaddafi's envoys were conveying the message that the Libyan leader "does not want to stand in the way of a settlement, and so he will not be a part of negotiations about the future of Libya or his own future."
Meanwhile, she said the African Union (AU), which has been calling for ceasefire and negotiations between the Libyan government and the Benghazi-based National Transition Council (NTC) rebels, should be given the necessary political space to pursue its roadmap.
Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said Wednesday that a deal could be reached before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan starts early next month.
"There are signals that the crisis will find a solution in the coming weeks. We will do whatever possible so that our people will spend Ramadan in peace," he said, adding that NATO's air raids were a key "hurdle" to a solution.
However, NATO Secretary-General Fogh Rasmussen said he had no confirmed information that Gaddafi was seeking ways out.
"I have no confirmed information that Gaddafi has sounded out the possibility to step down, but it is quite clear that the end state must be that he leaves power," the NATO chief, who was visiting Russia, told a press conference; Kazinform cites Xinhua.
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