REUTERS

Fugitive Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi

South African aircraft were sent to Libya only to evacuate embassy staff and not to aid Muammar Gaddafi, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said today.

“The South African government would like to refute and dispel the rumours and claims that it has sent planes to Libya to fly Gaddafi and his family to an undisclosed location,” she said.

Nkoana-Mashabane was speaking at a briefing following a meeting with business leaders in Parktown, Johannesburg.

“We must make sure we preserve lives … we will not single out the safety of one leader.”

“I am amazed at any insinuation of South Africa aiding anyone,” she said when asked whether South Africa was helping Gaddafi.

Nkoana-Mashabane said he had not asked for asylum in South Africa and indicated some time ago that he did not intend doing so.

“We know for sure he will not come here.”

She said the African Union (AU) believed that only the Libyan people could secure a lasting solution to the problems their country was facing.

“Visitors will come and go, citizens will have to deal with reconstructing their own countries.”

Nkoana-Mashabane said the AU's roadmap to recovery for Libya began with suspension of hostilities and a “durable cease-fire”.

This included an end to action by Nato.

With these guarantees in place, a transitional government and a new constitution would lay the foundations for democratic elections.

“The AU roadmap should be given space to help Libyans find their own solution,” she said. - Sapa