Tripoli, March 06: Libya’s self-declared opposition council has held its first formal meetings to discuss the overthrow of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi as pro-government forces continue their attacks on anti-regime protesters.
The Libyan opposition, fighting to overthrow the beleaguered ruler, gathered secretly on Saturday for the first formal meeting of the self-declared, interim national council while declaring their refusal to enter talks with the government until Gaddafi leaves office.
The 30-member body was established in the eastern city of Benghazi by anti-government forces following the liberation of several eastern cities, AFP reported.
The council, headed by former justice minister Mustafa Abdel Jalil, plans to lead the North African country toward a prospective national election.
Earlier in the day, the Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim said Gaddafi supports a peace plan offered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Chavez has offered to help mediate an end to the fighting between opposition fighters and pro-regime forces. The plan has been rejected by the opposition.
Reports by human rights groups say that over 6,000 people have been killed so far during the government’s harsh crackdown on Libyan anti-government protesters.
——–Agencies