Information minister says the people will decide their own future, calling Gaddafi a "safety valve" for unity in Libya.
Libya is ready to negotiate reforms, such as elections or a referendum, but only its own people can decide whether Muammar Gaddafi should stay on as leader, a government spokesperson has said.
"We could have any political system, any changes: constitution, election, anything, but the leader has to lead
this forward. This is our belief," Musa Ibrahim, the Libyan information minister, told reporters on Tuesday.
He said no conditions could be imposed on Libya from abroad, even though the country was ready to discuss proposals aimed at bringing more democracy, transparency, press freedom and anti-corruption laws.
"Don't decide our future from abroad, give us a proposal for change from within," he said.
Ibrahim described Gaddafi as "the safety valve" for the unity of the country's tribes and people.
"We think he is very important to lead any transition to a democratic and transparent model.
"The leader has no official position to step down from. ... He has a symbolic significance for the Libyan people. How Libya is governed is a different matter. What kind of political system is implemented in the country is a different matter. This is a question we can talk about."
'Never attacked civilians'
Ibrahim accused some Western leaders of trying to topple Gaddafi out of personal interest or for economic gain.
"We know there are some politicians in power in the West who just have a personal problem with the leader ... Others have economic interests which they think would be served better if the government collapsed."
He denied allegations that government forces were involved in any attacks against civilians.
"We are not attacking any civilians, I assure you. We never in this crisis attacked any civilians. ... I will not stand and speak for a government that kills civilians. Who do you think we are, monsters?"
Ibrahim also criticised Italy's decision to recognise the Opposition National Council, saying that it is up to Libyans to decide who represents them.
Italy, Libya's former colonial master, on Monday said Gaddafi and his family must leave power and the international community has to stand united against regime diplomacy.
Libya is ready to negotiate reforms, such as elections or a referendum, but only its own people can decide whether Muammar Gaddafi should stay on as leader, a government spokesperson has said.
"We could have any political system, any changes: constitution, election, anything, but the leader has to lead
this forward. This is our belief," Musa Ibrahim, the Libyan information minister, told reporters on Tuesday.
He said no conditions could be imposed on Libya from abroad, even though the country was ready to discuss proposals aimed at bringing more democracy, transparency, press freedom and anti-corruption laws.
"Don't decide our future from abroad, give us a proposal for change from within," he said.
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"We think he is very important to lead any transition to a democratic and transparent model.
"The leader has no official position to step down from. ... He has a symbolic significance for the Libyan people. How Libya is governed is a different matter. What kind of political system is implemented in the country is a different matter. This is a question we can talk about."
'Never attacked civilians'
Ibrahim accused some Western leaders of trying to topple Gaddafi out of personal interest or for economic gain.
"We know there are some politicians in power in the West who just have a personal problem with the leader ... Others have economic interests which they think would be served better if the government collapsed."
He denied allegations that government forces were involved in any attacks against civilians.
"We are not attacking any civilians, I assure you. We never in this crisis attacked any civilians. ... I will not stand and speak for a government that kills civilians. Who do you think we are, monsters?"
Ibrahim also criticised Italy's decision to recognise the Opposition National Council, saying that it is up to Libyans to decide who represents them.
Italy, Libya's former colonial master, on Monday said Gaddafi and his family must leave power and the international community has to stand united against regime diplomacy.
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