Rebels in West Libya Say Gadhafi Won't Budge

Libyan rebels in the Nafusa Mountains southwest of the capital said on Wednesday that a peace deal was "impossible" as veteran leader Moammar Gadhafi refuses to step down.

"Up to now it is impossible to get a political solution. Gadhafi wants to stay, the rebels don't want," said Colonel Juma Brahim, head of the rebel's operational command for the region.

"To the last moment Gadhafi is looking for a peace solution because he is weak, all the soldiers and equipment are coming to our side one by one," Brahim told Agence France Presse.

He was speaking after French and Libyan officials on Tuesday talked up the chances of negotiating Gadhafi's withdrawal from power and an end to the conflict still wracking the country after months of military stalemate.