U.N. talks transition in Tripoli

TRIPOLI, Libya, July 11 (UPI) -- Ideas on political transition were relayed to the Libyan prime minister and foreign minister in Tripoli, the U.N. envoy to the country said.

Abdul Elah al-Khatib, the U.N. special envoy to Libya, met with top government officials in Tripoli in an effort to find a political solution to the conflict in the country.

"The special envoy raised ideas with respect to the management of a transition in Libya," a statement from Khatib's office read. "(He) also listened to the views of the government of Libya regarding the impact of sanctions and NATO operations."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week spoke with Libyan Prime Minister Ali Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmoudi on the need for the a peaceful transition in the country.

The U.N. Security Council in March sanctioned international military force in Libya to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Libya leader Moammar Gadhafi. NATO allies said Gadhafi isn't a specific target of attack. The Libyan leader has said he is the leader of a revolution and has no formal position from which to resign.

French officials had denied having direct talks with the Gadhafi regime though Paris has said its time that rebel leaders discuss the situation with members of the government in Tripoli, French news agency France 24 reports.

"We have been able to stem the tide against the rebels and now we want them to speak to each other," French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet was quoted as saying.

Paris is expected to vote Tuesday on its role in the NATO-led operation in Libya.