Gaddafi refuses to step down

World

Gaddafi refuses to step down

Close

Libyan president Moammar Gaddafi insists he will not leave his country.

01 June,2011 03:04 pm

South Africa is concerned for Gaddafis safety, according to the statement released by President Jacob Zumas office afterhe returned home from his talks with Gaddafi in Tripoli arare visit by a high Level world figure.Zuma was pressing to revive an African Union proposal for a cease-fire and dialogue to settle the Libya conflict, and Gaddafi agreed, the statement said. Zuma called for a halt to NATO airstrikes as part of the cease-fire. After initially backing NATOs involvement,Zuma and the African Union called for a cessation, charging that NATO had overstepped its United Nation mandate to protect civilians.In response, Libyas government spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, told reporters in Tripoli that Gaddafis ouster would lead to civil war. If Gaddafi disappears for any reason, the safety valve will have been released, he said.