A HIGH-RANKING LIBYAN military official is understood to have arrived in Cairo today with a message from Muammar Gaddafi.

Egyptian airport officials confirmed to Reuters that a Libyan general flew from Tripoli to Cairo today bearing a message for Egypt’s ruling military council.

Egypt’s military leaders have not commented on the reports, but are understood to have held an emergency session this morning.

Gaddafi and his security forces continue to resist opposition efforts to force the Libyan leader from power. In his most recent television appearance, Gaddafi blamed foreigners for the unrest in Libya. He previously claimed that drugged young people were being encouraged to riot and vandalise property.

International debate over the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya continues today, although the US continues to distance itself from the plan. Britain and France continue to push for it. Gaddafi’s planes have been targeting rebels in two cities, including  Zawiyah where people have reported seeing dozens of bodies in the streets.

Human Rights Watch is appealing to the Libyan government and rebels to provide safe passage to those who want to flee the violence, particularly in the west of the country. HRW is also calling for both government and opposition forces to allow aid agencies access to troubled areas where civilians have been cut off by fighting.

- Includes reporting by the AP