Muammar Gaddafi is determined to fight his way back to power, his chief spokesman claimed today, as a large convoy of his soldiers apparently deserted into neighbouring Niger.

Rebel reinforcements converged on one of Muammar Gaddafi’s last strongholds in Libya today, even as they gave the town a last chance to surrender.

Negotiations held primarily with Muammar Gaddafi’s chief spokesman over the peaceful surrender of a regime stronghold have failed, a rebel spokesman said.

NEGOTIATIONS held primarily with Muammar Gaddafi’s chief spokesman over the peaceful surrender of a regime stronghold have failed, a rebel spokesman said last night.