U.S. weighs opening embassy in Tripoli

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Washington is reviewing security in Libya to determine whether if it's safe to reopen its diplomatic mission in Tripoli, the U.S. State Department said.

Forces loyal to the Transitional National Council in Libya claim once again to have Moammar Gadhafi cornered in Libya. Reports surfaced Tuesday that Gadhafi loyalists were seen traveling in a convoy through Nigeria, though Washington said there was nothing to suggest Gadhafi had left the country.

TNC forces took control of Tripoli in recent days, signaling the end to Gadhafi's regime. Before the collapse, the international community lined up to recognize the TNC as the sole governmental authority in Libya.

Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the State Department, said the U.S. government had a mission set up in Benghazi, the rebel capital. She said an advance team was sent to Tripoli, however, to review the security there.

"They're there now looking at our property and preparing the way for the embassy to reopen," she said. There was "significant damage" to the facility, she added.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in a statement that a provisory government of the TNC was expected in Tripoli before the end of the month. The TNC, he said, should form a government of national unity in place of the Gadhafi regime.

It is vital, the Italian foreign minister added, to "avoid vendettas, reprisals and blood baths" when considering members of Gadhafi's regime.