Clinton off to Paris to discuss Libya

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- With Libyan rebels offering an ultimatum to Gadhafi loyalists, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced plans to review Libya's future in Paris.

The U.S. State Department announced Clinton was headed to Paris to take part in a top-level meeting for the Contact Group in Libya set for Friday. The meeting follows last week's summit in Istanbul where Western supporters hailed rebel gains in Tripoli.

"The days and weeks ahead will be critical for the Libyan people, and the United States and its partners will continue to move quickly and decisively to help the Transitional National Council and address the needs of the Libyan people," the State Department said.

Libyan rebels have taken control over most of Tripoli following six months of fighting. Rebel opposition leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil said that, with his forces moving in on Sirte, the home town of Moammar Gadhafi, it was time for the regime to surrender.

"By Saturday, if there are no peaceful indications for implementing this we will decide this manner militarily," he was quoted by London newspaper The Independent as saying. "We do not wish to do so but we cannot wait longer."

Jalil told The Wall Journal in a July interview Gadhafi could remain in the country provided he surrenders power.