20110526
presstv
The African Union (AU) has called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Libya amid the increasing Western alliance pressure on the Libyan regime to relinquish power.

"I am convinced that only a political solution can lead to a lasting peace and satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people," AFP quoted Jean Ping, the head of AU Commission, as saying on Wednesday.

Ping added that the “lack of coordination of international efforts” and the situation in Libya have made it difficult to find a solution.

The African body has voiced opposition to the military campaign in crisis-hit Libya.

Last month, the AU proposed a ceasefire plan about the crisis in Libya, which included talks to organize elections during a transition period. The initiative was greeted positively by the Libyan regime.

However, the revolutionaries rejected the ceasefire, saying they would continue fighting to see Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi out of power.

The office of South African President Jacob Zuma announced on Wednesday that he will hold talks with beleaguered Gaddafi on May 30.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama said on the same day that the West would not ease pressure on the Gaddafi regime.

"I absolutely agree that given the progress that has been made over the last several weeks that Gaddafi and his regime need to understand that there will not be a let-up in the pressure that we are applying," Obama said.

The US president noted that the process in Libya will be slow but will finally force Gaddafi to quit power.