Colonel Gaddafi's close aides are racing against time to find a political solution to the current crisis in Libya. Asharq Al-Awsat also learnt that one of Saif al-Islam's senior aides, Mohamed Ismail, is currently in the middle of a secret visit to London in this regard.

Sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the proposals being put forward by Gaddafi's close aides include a proposal which would see him remain in power as a figurehead, like Queen Elizabeth II, with one of his sons being appointed president, and opposition figures joining a national government.

Sources familiar with the details of the communications taking place between Gaddafi's close aides and a number of western governments informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Gaddafi put forward the idea of his son Mutassim Gaddafi – who is currently a Libyan national security adviser – being appointed Libyan president, with Colonel Gaddafi remaining in power in a symbolic position.