Colonel Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, is touting a "transition" plan for Libya, according to the Saudi-owned newspaper, Asharq Alawsat.

Saif's plan "would see him take over control of Libya from his father during a transitional period during which Libya would transform from a revolutionary state to a democratic state that enjoys public and economic freedoms" the paper says.

The transitional period would last between two and three years, in return for a comprehensive ceasefire and negotiations with the opposition. Saif is also said to be pushing for assurances that "Colonel Gaddafi and his family will be granted immunity from prosecution, and will not be legally punished in any manner".

The report adds that Saif "has been in contact with officials in the US, British, and Italian governments, in an attempt to submit the above-mentioned plan".

Libyan opposition figures quoted by the paper dismissed Saif's plan as "just a new political manoeuvre" and "an attempt to gain time and fool public opinion". 

But, assuming that this plan has the Leader's approval and is not an independent initiative by Saif himself, it does suggest the regime realises it cannot reassert control and will have to make concessions – if it is to survive at all.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 27 March 2011