Rebel Chief: 'No Possibility for Gadhafi to Remain in Libya'

The head of Libya's rebel council said Monday that there is now no possibility of Moammar Gadhafi being granted internal exile in Libya, following an International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest.

In a statement, Mustafa Mohammed Abdel Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, said: "There is absolutely no current or future possibility for Gadhafi to remain in Libya."

Jalil confirmed that such an offer had been made but said it was now null and void.

"There is no escape clause for Gadhafi -- he must be removed from power and face justice."

As news surfaced of the prospect of the NTC allowing Gadhafi to stay in Libya, there was anger on the streets of the rebel capital of Benghazi on Sunday.

Around 100 people gathered in front of a hotel where a top NTC member was giving a press conference, a rare show of opposition against the council, which has steered the east of the country since Gadhafi's troops were pushed out four months ago.

While all senior members of the NTC insist that Gadhafi must leave power, there is less unity about whether or not there should be talks to give the veteran ruler a way out.

Insiders said there was a split between former members of the regime, who believe talks could help moderate members of Gadhafi's inner circle advocate his departure. Some long-time opposition members, including many who have lived in exile, are opposed to any kind of talks.