Another Obama Fail: France Says Gadhafi Could Stay in Libya

PARIS (AP) -- France's foreign minister suggested Wednesday that a possible way out of Libya's civil war would be to allow Moammar Gadhafi to stay in the country if he relinquishes power.

Gadhafi insists he will neither step down nor flee the country he has led for four decades. With the NATO-led air campaign against Gadhafi's forces entering its fifth month and the fighting in a stalemate, the international community is seeking exit strategies.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy met in Paris on Wednesday with three rebel leaders from the western port city of Misrata who are seeking aid and arms to move toward Tripoli. Sarkozy announced no specific measures in response.

Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said France wants to keep "a very close link" with the rebels "to see how we can help."

Asked whether Gadhafi could stay in Libya under house arrest, for example, Juppe said on LCI television Wednesday: "One of the hypotheses that is envisaged is that he stays in Libya, on one condition ... that he clearly steps aside from Libya's political life. This is what we are waiting for before launching a political process."

The rebels initially insisted that Gadhafi leave the country, and one of those who met Wednesday with Sarkozy maintained that view - while others are not ruling out the possibility that he could stay in Libya if he gives up power.

[link to hosted.ap.org]