Gaddafi Still A Threat, Warns Libya Chairman

Colonel Muammar Gaddafi is still a threat, the chairman of Libya's transitional council has warned - as he called for ongoing support from Nato.

The former leader has not been seen since fighters opposing his regime entered the capital, Tripoli, a week ago.

But Mustafa Abdel Jalil, who chairs the National Transition Council (NTC) - recognised by the UK and others as Libya's legitimate leaders - said it is vital allies go on helping the country.

"I call for continued protection from Nato and its allies from this tyrant," he said.

"He (Col Gaddafi) is still a threat, not just for Libyans but for the entire world."

Mr Jalil was speaking from Doha, Qatar, as he met other leaders to discuss the future of Libya.

The NTC said it has no firm information about where the deposed leader is, but has offered a reward worth US \$1.3m (approximately £800,000) and amnesty from prosecution to anyone who kills or captures him.

Nato's current mandate for Libya lasts until September 27 and member countries would have to hold a further council if they want to extend it.

US Admiral Samuel Locklear, who heads Nato's joint operations command, said he believed the Gaddafi regime was "near collapse".

He said Nato was "committed to seeing the operation through to its conclusion".

The latest official figures show Nato has conducted 20,751 sorties in Libya, including 7,806 "strike sorties" since the conflict began on March 31.

It has also carried out 864 "humanitarian assistance movements", which includes efforts on the ground, by air and by sea.

Meanwhile, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced a team of diplomatic and technical staff have arrived in Tripoli to work towards reopening the British Embassy.

The staff are in the Libyan capital preparing to re-establish Britain's diplomatic presence in the country.

British Embassy staff had been evacuated from the country in February as trouble escalated in the so-called Arab Spring.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "This reflects the recent military progress which means that some members of the NTC have already moved to Tripoli."

No date has been set for the British Embassy to open.

:: A military spokesman for the anti-Gaddafi forces has said 50,000 prisoners of the regime were still missing.

Ahmed Omar Bani said the majority of the people arrested over the past few months could not be located.

There are fears the prisoners, many of whom were activists suspected of supporting revolution, may be in bunkers underground.