CNN News - Libyan fighters positioned outside Gadhafi strongholds, Sep 05, 2011

By the CNN Wire Staff

September 5, 2011 -- Updated 0239 GMT (1039 HKT)

Anti-Gadhafi forces surround desert town

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: Gadhafi's son says he is willing to negotiate a cease-fire
• "As far as we are concerned, negotiations are over," NTC negotiator says
• "No comment" on a report that the NTC knows Gadhafi's whereabouts
• Libya's new leaders have given Gadhafi loyalists until Saturday to surrender

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Fighters pushed Sunday to the outskirts of one of Moammar Gadhafi's last bastions of support, setting the stage for possible clashes ahead of this week's deadline for loyalists of the ousted leader to surrender.

Libya's new leaders gave Gadhafi loyalists in Sirte, Bani Walid and a handful of towns until Saturday to surrender or face military force.

"We're giving them a chance to come forward and negotiate surrender," Col. Ahmed Bani, spokesman for the National Transitional Council's defense ministry, told reporters Sunday.

But there were indications that fighters were planning to enter Bani Walid, where a powerful tribe is sympathetic to Gadhafi, before the deadline.

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RELATED TOPICS

• Libya
• Moammar Gadhafi
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One of Gadhafi's sons, Saadi Gadhafi, told CNN's Nic Robertson in a phone conversation that negotiations aimed at a cease-fire had been going well, but that an "aggressive" speech broadcast by his brother, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, a few days ago caused talks to break down. He said he saw no further point in negotiating and believes the NTC is ready to go into Bani Walid.

NTC negotiator Abdallah Kinshel said the planned talks fell apart after local leaders refused to come to the designated meeting spot -- a mosque outside of town -- and demanded the NTC fighters come into the town unarmed. The anti-Gadhafi forces refused.

"As far as we are concerned, negotiations are over from our side," Kinshel said. "Military commanders must determine what the next steps will be."

Asked his location, Saadi Gadhafi said he is "a little bit outside" of Bani Walid but had been moving around. "It seems that his options are running out," Robertson said.

Saadi Gadhafi said he had not seen his father or brother for two months. He said he is "neutral" and not on his father's side or that of the rebels, but remains "ready to help negotiate a cease-fire."

NTC fighters positioned outside Bani Walid said they remain unwilling to shed blood or fire shots.