Libya: Situation at a Standstill, Rebels Fail to Establish Gov’t

Tripoli, Sep 19. -Libya´s National Transitional Council (NTC) continue besieging on Monday two important pro-Gaddafi strongholds, while its political leaders failed to establish a new government. Despite being backed by NATO air raids, the rebels have not been able to capture Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi's hometown, and Bani Walid.

According to witnesses, the rebels began attacking Bani Walid, but keeping themselves away from pro-Gaddafi mortars and snipers, who caused serious damages to the rebels´ structures and positions.

The counterattack carried out by military men and civilians of the Warfallah tribe, who are defending Bani Walid, forced the rebels to retreat some kilometers north.

However, on Sunday, the rebels´ death toll was very high, according to health authorities.

NTC leader, Mahmoud Jibril, had convened a press conference to make public the positions of the new cabinet, but explained that "last-minute negotiations forced him to postpone the release of this information indefinitely."

The new structure would replace a rebel executive committee that was dissolved in August, but some question the need to create a government of transition in a country still at war, while some others believe this condition is essential to be more recognized internationally. (Prensa Latina)