Gaddafi prepared to step down…in favour of son?
Sources within the Libyan opposition National Transitional Council have informed Asharq Al-Awsat that they have received indications, from international mediators, that Gaddafi is willing to step down from power. This proposal would see Colonel Muammar Gaddafi remaining in a symbolic position, with power being transferred to his son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who would rule the country for a transitional period to be decided on by the parties concerned. Asharq Al-Awsat was unable to confirm whether this proposal was part of the African Union’s ceasefire or not.
Sources within the National Transitional Council told Asharq Al-Awsat that they have received confirmation that Gaddafi is prepared to step down so long as this is done in a dignified and secure manner. However the sources said that the messages they received from Tripoli did not clarify the kind of figurative or symbolic position that Colonel Gaddafi intends to hold in the future.