Gaddafi government reportedly accepts Libya peace plan

Zuma and three other African leaders met Libya's leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, in Tripoli on Sunday. An AU team is now going on to the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

In Ajdabiya, pro-Gaddafi forces have pushed back rebels in fierce fighting.

Nato says its planes destroyed 25 government tanks on Sunday alone.

The AU deal's main points are: an immediate ceasefire, the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid, protection of foreign nationals, dialogue between the government and rebels on a political settlement, and the suspension of Nato airstrikes.

"The brother leader [Col Gaddafi] delegation has accepted the roadmap as presented by us," Zuma declared, after several hours of talks. “We have to give the ceasefire a chance.”

In all, the AU mission comprised representatives from five nations: presidents Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali and Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, and Uganda's Foreign Minister Henry Oryem Okello.

While the five-strong panel was approved by the European Union, Western countries involved in the NATO operations have not yet commented on the plan.

An AU official confirmed that the idea of Col Gaddafi stepping down had been discussed, but gave no further details. "There was some discussion on this but I cannot report on this. It has to remain confidential," said AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra. "It's up to the Libyan people to chose their leaders democratically."

In the meantime, NATO air strikes have been ongoing, as the alliance says its planes destroyed 25 government tanks on Sunday alone.