US urges Libya rebels to plan post-Gaddafi era

The United States sees the rebel offensive for Tripoli as clearly under way, and is urging the National Transitional Council (TNC) to start planning for the post-Gaddafi era in Libya, the US State Department said on Sunday.

"We continue efforts to encourage the TNC to maintain broad outreach across all segments of Libyan society and to plan for post-Gaddafi Libya," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a statement. "Gaddafi's days are numbered. If Gaddafi cared about the welfare of the Libyan people, he would step down now."  (Reuters)