Russia sees possible compromise in Libya

Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev has expressed believes of possible compromise between Libyan rebels and the government, stressing that supporting one side in the conflict is bad for Libya.

At a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday, Medvedev said: "We must continue the search for opportunities for a peaceful solution. We will continue the search for a compromise. In my view it is achievable,"

Libya Battle

Meanwhile, France has said that Libyan rebels have taken over the eastern oil hub of Brega, in their most significant advance in months against forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

Fighting for control of Brega, which would provide access to much of Libya's eastern oil network, came as US and Libyan officials met for secret face-to-face talks.

Tripoli said it was seeking talks with no preconditions, but Washington said it had delivered the clear message that Gaddafi must go.

"The Libyan resistance forces are in the process of controlling the totality of the city (Brega) but I am not in a position to confirm exactly what is happening on the ground," French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.

"It represents progress on the ground by the action of Libyan rebel forces. It would seem to confirm the retreat and isolation of Gaddafi and his forces," he told a media conference in Paris.

The Libyan government has denied that Brega has fallen to the rebels.

US-Tripoli secret meeting

A US State Department official said that Saturday's meeting with the Libyans was held "to deliver a clear and firm message that the only way to move forward is for Gaddafi to step down."

"This was not a negotiation. It was the delivery of a message." He said noting that no more meetings were planned.

Libya said it welcomed discussions but only without preconditions.

Libyan government spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim told journalists in Tripoli that “any dialogue with the French, Americans, British is welcome.

“We will discuss everything, but do not condition your peace talks. Let Libyans decide their future,” he said.