Libyan rebels take over eastern oil hub of Brega

LIBYAN rebels have taken over the eastern oil hub of Brega, in their most significant advance in months against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

“The Libyan resistance forces are in the process of controlling the totality of [Brega], but I am not in a position to confirm exactly what is happening on the ground,” French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.

“It represents progress on the ground by the action of Libyan rebel forces. It would seem to confirm the retreat and isolation of Gaddafi and his forces.”

However, the Libyan government denied Brega has fallen to the rebels.

Fighting for control of Brega, which would provide access to much of Libya’s eastern oil network, came as US and Libyan officials met for secret face-to-face talks.

Tripoli said it was seeking talks with no preconditions, but Washington said Gaddafi must go.

Saturday’s meeting with the Libyans was held “to deliver a clear and firm message that the only way to move forward is for Gaddafi to step down,” a US state department official said.

“This was not a negotiation. It was the delivery of a message.”

Libya said it welcomed discussions but only without preconditions.

“Any dialogue with the French, Americans, British is welcome,” government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said.

“We will discuss everything, but do not condition your peace talks. Let Libyans decide their future.”

French defense minister Gerard Longuet said Libyans were now certain that “Gaddafi is no longer an option for the future”.

“The countdown has begun... but I am cautious because Gaddafi is not rational and he could opt for a bunker strategy, taking the whole civilian population of Tripoli hostage.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declined to comment on the meeting, but said the world body was playing a central role in moves to present terms for Gaddafi to quit.