Burgan: Rebels will take Bani Walid by force

Gaddafi's son, Moatassem-Billah Gaddafi, was seen in Bani Walid on Tuesday, according to Naji Burgan, a member the Bani Walid Local Council's media committee. Burgan also told the Cyrene newspaper that many rebels in Bani Walid are waiting to join the revolution. Negotiations continue for the town of Bani Walid, to the east of Tripoli, which are due to end on Saturday after a 10 day cease fire. The town is one of the last Gaddafi strongholds. A delegation of the city's dignitaries held negotiations with Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) on Wednesday to gain assurances that the NTC will not seek revenge on the city's inhabitants; a rumour which has been spread by Gaddafi loyalists. These dignitaries were met with open fire upon their return to the city, although no injuries were reported. Burgan confirmed that negotiations will last until Saturday, but thinks that they are unlikely to succeed. He expects that rebels will have to enter Bani Walid by force on Saturday.