Dubai: The head of the Libyan rebels council said Monday that his ad hoc government was preparing to move to Tripoli where some "pockets" of loyalists to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi were still fighting.
"The heroic rebels have controlled almost all of Tripoli. Preparatory measures are being taken for the national council to move to Tripoli. Trips are already being prepared," Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the head of the National Transitional Council told Al Arabiya news channel from Benghazi.
"There remains some pockets (of resistance) that are delaying this move. But God willing, we will eliminate them within 48 hours," he said.
Has Gaddafi fled the country?
The rebel chief said it was difficult to tell whether Gaddafi has fled the country or remained within, pointing out that he could still be at his Bab Al Azizya compound in Tripoli.
"The area around Al Azizya is still a hot spot. There are forces that continue to fight the rebels. He (Gaddafi) could still be in Al Azizya, or in neighbouring areas," he said.
"No one could definitely tell whereabouts of Gaddafi, whether inside Libya or abroad. Some areas remain beyond the rebels' control," he added.
No guarantees
He declined to give any guarantees to Gaddafi if he surrendered, saying that the leader who ruled Libyan since 1969 "will get a fair trial if he quits," adding that he could also be handed over to the International Criminal Court, which he said will "get the priority."
The same will apply to Gaddafi's son, Saif Al Islam who is also sought after by the ICC and has been captured by the rebels, adding that "preparations for a contact with the ICC were being made."
"He is under arrest, and he will be questioned by the proper judiciary," he added.
