(Translated from Arabic by Al Arabiya)
Saif Al Islam, son of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi told the Algerian newspaper “Al Khabar” that his father would not relinquish the position of Libya’s leader.
He said that negotiations were underway between Tripoli and Paris regarding the ongoing conflict in Libya.
According to Mr. Islam, the Qaddafi administration has sent an envoy to meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, as any negotiation concerning Libya’s future would have to start from Paris before involving Libyan rebels holding Benghazi.
Mr. Islam described opposition headquarters in Benghazi, as “French provinces” and its inhabitants as “kharijites,” (tribals) indicating the presence of French Special Forces in the western mountain guiding French aircraft.
Mr. Islam also denied bringing Algerian mercenaries to fight in Libya, saying he valued their historic alliance of fighting the common enemy: French colonialism.
He also praised Algeria’s stance on the conflict in Libya which, he said, confirmed how the two countries were true allies, unlike other Arab states he characterized as “disgraceful.”
When speaking about his father, he denied any chances of Colonel Qaddafi stepping down from power, adding that millions of Libyans who came out onto the streets “are the decision makers.”
Mr. Islam also dismissed rumors that he planned to contest the presidential elections.
