Libyan state television has broadcast a video of Gaddafi's supporters calling for the liberation of Misrata from the rebels. Meanwhile, in Sirte, tens of thousands of demonstrators waved green flags to show their support for Gaddafi, who spoke to the crowd by audio link.

Libyan state television has broadcast a video of Gaddafi's supporters calling for the liberation of Misrata from the rebels. Meanwhile, in Sirte, tens of thousands of demonstrators waved green flags to show their support for Gaddafi, who spoke to the crowd by audio link.

In his address, the Libyan leader ruled out any negotiations with the rebel forces. Meanwhile, the rebels say a fierce counter-attack by forces loyal to Gaddafi had checked their gains on the frontline, east of Tripoli. A rebel spokesman in Zlitan said pro-Gaddafi forces had the rebels surrounded and that the soldiers were flattening civilian homes with tank shells.

The rebels have recently been taking heavy casualties around the oil port of Brega, south of their stronghold in Benghazi. However, they say they'll continue their efforts to take the town from Gaddafi's forces.