Libyan officials reportedly say embattled dictator is “prepared to leave”
France’s foreign minister Alain Juppe said on Tuesday that his government has been contacted by travelling Libyan officials who say Moammar Gadhafi is “prepared to leave.” The minister, however, was quick to point out that such contact does not constitute negotiations. He also refused to identify the officials with whom France had spoken, other than to say that they were close to the embattled Libyan leader, and that they travel to various major capitals as messengers. Juppe also said there is a growing international consensus that Gadhafi must leave power in order for the conflict to end. Meanwhile, French parliament is slated to vote Tuesday on whether to remain involved in the UN-mandated NATO mission in Libya. That vote is expected to pass.