Oil And Gold Slip On Rumors Gaddafi Set To Flee

Libyan leader has offered rebels deal to take power if safe exit of his family is guaranteed, according to reports

Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Monday, March 7, 2011

Oil and gold pared some of their soaring gains today after a rumor began circulating that Moammar Gaddafi was seeking to reach an agreement with rebels that would allow him to safely flee the country in return for relinquishing power.

Gold hit another record high this morning, rising to $1,445.70 an ounce before reversing itself as traders absorbed the rumors. Similarly, ICE Brent April crude hit a $118.50 peak before pulling back.

The pullback was sparked by rumors that Gaddafi sent a negotiator to the Transitional National Council in order to secure the safe exit of him and his family in return for him handing over power to rebel leaders.

The story was carried by the pan-Arab newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat and was also picked up by the BBC.

“Libyan sources have told the pan-Arab newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat that Col Gaddafi has turned to the rebel Transitional National Council to secure his departure from the country in return for guaranteeing his and his family’s safety. He sent a negotiator on his behalf to Benghazi and made handing over power before Libya’s parliament, the General People’s Congress, his condition, the sources said,” reports the BBC.

“The sources did not reveal how the rebel council had reacted, saying only: “There has been no official response to Col Gaddafi’s request so far, either positive or negative.” But they added that the general mood at the moment among council members was to refuse to negotiate.”

“A leading member of Libya’s ruling establishment had appealed to rebel leaders for dialogue, in the clearest sign yet Gaddafi may be ready to compromise with opponents challenging his rule,” reports Reuters.

According to a separate Jordanian newspaper report, Gaddafi offered a transfer of power within 6 months in return for himself and his family avoiding retribution.

Although talks may be in progress, witnesses in Tripoli confirm that the Gaddafi regime is still firmly in control and there is no sense of any imminent change on the ground.

*********************

Paul Joseph Watson is the editor and writer for Prison Planet.com. He is the author of Order Out Of Chaos. Watson is also a fill-in host for The Alex Jones Show. Watson has been interviewed by many publications and radio shows, including Vanity Fair and Coast to Coast AM, America’s most listened to late night talk show.