NATO Hits More Libyan Targets as Diplomatic Efforts Appear to Fizzle

May 31, 2011

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma (C) greets Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi (R) before their meeting in Tripoli in this handout picture taken May 30, 2011

The Italian foreign minister offered a biting assessment of Colonel Gadhafi’s grip on power, insisting that his regime is “finished” and that it is time for him to go. He also pledged Italy’s support to the rebel Transitional National Council in Benghazi.

"I confirm once again my full political support and the Italian full political support to the national council, and of course I repeated that Gadhafi regime is over [and] he has to leave the country," said Frattini.

His statement was in stark contrast to statements from Tripoli that Gadhafi has no intention of giving up power. South African President Jacob Zuma’s meeting Monday with the embattled Libyan leader focused on the already unsuccessful African Union “roadmap.”

"You make the point that let the Libyan people be given a chance to talk among themselves. Therefore, he's ready to implement the roadmap [of the African Union]," he said.

Both NATO and rebel leader Mustapha Abdel Jalil have repeatedly rejected any peace plan that does not include the departure of Gadhafi and his sons.

Frattini's visit to the rebel stronghold of Benghazi Tuesday struck another blow at Gadhafi’s grip on power, as the foreign minister inaugurated a new Italian consulate in the city.