BBC News Africa
11 April 2011 Last updated at 13:33 GMT
Libya: African Union offers truce plan to rebels
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Benghazi: "A large crowd are protesting their dismay at
this peace plan"
Members of an African Union delegation are offering a peace proposal to rebel
leaders in the city of Benghazi to end Libya's eight-week conflict.
The AU says the government has already accepted the plan. The delegation met
leader Col Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday.
Rebels promised to study the plan, but ruled out a truce unless Col Gaddafi
stepped down and his forces withdrew.
Nato - whose air strikes are targeting pro-Gaddafi forces - says a ceasefire
must be credible and verifiable.
Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called for "a complete end to
violence and a complete end to all attacks against and abuses of civilians".
But he warned that military action alone would not solve the crisis in Libya,
saying a solution must also offer political reforms.
The rebels have criticised Nato for not carrying out enough air strikes, as
well as for a so-called "friendly fire" incident last week in which at least
four people were killed.
Aid and dialogue
Analysis
Will Ross BBC News, Nairobi, Kenya
The African Union does not have a good reputation when it comes to solving
crises. On Libya, it is sounding determined and maintains it is in the unique
position of being able to speak to both Col Gaddafi and the forces in Benghazi.
But any intervention which does not involve the removal from power of Muammar
Gaddafi will be seen by some as the AU saving the Libyan leader. It has often
been accused of standing up for the incumbents and is criticised as being a
club which serves the interests of the continent's presidents more than the
people.
The situation is muddied by money. Col Gaddafi has bankrolled the AU for years
and he has bought friends in Africa.
Having complained that the West was ignoring Africa's view on Libya and pushing
for regime change, the AU has a chance to take the lead. Now the tough part -
convincing the Libyan rebels to hold fire and talk.
Pro-Gaddafi forces have recently pushed back rebels - but Nato has thwarted
their advance.
The AU deal's main points are:
* An immediate ceasefire
* The unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid
* Protection of foreign nationals
* A dialogue between the government and rebels on a political settlement
* The suspension of Nato air strikes
In all, the AU mission comprises representatives from five nations: presidents
Jacob Zuma of South Africa; Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania; Amadou
Toumani Toure of Mali; and Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville; and
Uganda's Foreign Minister Henry Oryem Okello.
Mr Zuma, who led the delegation on its visit to Tripoli, has now returned to
South Africa.
The five-strong panel was approved by the European Union.
Opposition uneasy
The AU delegation arrived in Benghazi to a rough reception, with demonstrators
shouting "Gaddafi out" and mobbing their vehicles, reports the BBC's Jon Leyne
in the city.
More protesters have gathered at the hotel where they are due to stay.
Our correspondent says the opposition will be very uneasy that they are in
danger of being outmanoeuvred by this delegation, which they will see as being
very sympathetic to Col Gaddafi.
Soldiers must return to their barracks, rebel spokesman Shamsiddin Abdulmolah
told the AFP news agency.
"The world has seen these offers of ceasefires before and within 15 minutes
[Col Gaddafi] starts shooting again," he added.
The British-based representative of the Libyan opposition leadership, Guma
al-Gamaty, has told the BBC that any deal designed to keep Col Gaddafi or his
sons in place would not be acceptable.
An unnamed Nato official said that military operations would continue.
"Our aircraft are still flying and when we see a threat to civilians, we will
engage," the official said.
A spokesman for UK Prime Minister David Cameron also said military action would
continue to be taken to protect civilians.
An AU official said the idea of Col Gaddafi stepping down had been discussed,
but gave no further details.
"There was some discussion on this but I cannot report on this. It has to
remain confidential," said AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane
Lamamra.
"It's up to the Libyan people to choose their leaders democratically."
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