Libya Ready To Enter Ceasefire

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has said he is prepared to enter a ceasefire and negotiations provided Nato "stops its planes".

Appearing on Libyan state television he said this must involve all sides and not only his forces who are fighting against rebels in the east.

Col Gaddafi said he did not intend to step down or leave the country and that Libyans could solve their own problems if Nato strikes end.

"(Libya) is ready until now to enter a ceasefire ... but a ceasefire cannot be from one side," he said.

"We were the first to welcome a ceasefire and we were the first to accept a ceasefire ... but the Crusader Nato attack has not stopped. The gate to peace is open.

"...let us negotiate with you, the countries that attack us. Let us negotiate."

As he spoke, Nato warplanes hit three targets close to the television building in Tripoli in what state media claimed was an attempt to kill Col Gaddafi.

Poorly armed and trained rebel groups have been fighting since mid-February to end Gaddafi's 41-year rule.

In a marked contrast to previous speeches, where he called the rebels "rats" and promised to track the down house by house, Gaddafi urged the rebels to lay down their weapons and said Libyans should not be fighting each other.

:: There are reports that Libya's government has threatened to attack any ships approaching the western rebel-held outpost of Misratah.

Nato say pro-Gaddafi forces have laid mines on the approach to the harbour, and forced a temporary halt in humanitarian aid.

The port is also used to evacuate wounded to the eastern rebel capital of Benghazi.