Rebels say Gadhafi could stay in Libya

Libyan rebels said Monday that Moammar Gadhafi could remain in Libya if he steps down, even though the head of state’s departure from the country has long been a condition for ending the five-month civil war. Libyan opposition leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil’s announcement came as British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Gadhafi could stay if he resigns. Last week, France made a similar proposal. War erupted after a rebellion against Gadhafi’s long-time rule broke out in February. The Libyan government and rebels have made little movement in recent weeks, despite a NATO bombing campaign waged against government forces.

Associated Press