Fears of more bloodshed as Bani Walid negotiations falter

Anti-Gaddafi forces patrol the Mediterranean coastline as they await orders to move on the former leader's hometown of Sirte. Along with Bani Walid and a swathe of territory deep in the Sahara desert, Sirte is one of the few remaining pockets of pro-Gaddafi resistance. The National Transitional Council fighters patrolling the coast - many of whom are former fishermen and port workers - call on Libyans across the country to unite. (SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED FIGHTER: "Thanks to God we are now on the outskirts of the town of Sirte and we appeal to the people of Sirte. There is no evidence that you are Gaddafi's forces - they weren't Libyans. He got his forces from elsewhere, he got mercenaries. So we appeal to the people of Sirte and the people of Bani Walid, you are Libyans." Meanwhile, the stand-off between Libya's interim ruling council and the Gaddafi stronghold of Bani Walid continues - and these NTC fighters remain camped 40 kilometres north of the city. Sporadic talks have taken place between tribal leaders and NTC negotiators, but so far Bani Walid has refused to surrender. Following the breakdown of further talks on Tuesday, an anti-Gaddafi forces commander says the chances of a peaceful resolution to the stalemate are running out. (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ANTI-GADDAFI FORCES COMMANDER, GENERAL ABDULLAH ABU ASSARA: "We have two options now: either the surrender of the Gaddafi supporters, not the people of Bani Walid, or to use force to liberate all of Bani Walid." Bani Walid is the traditional home of Libya's largest and most powerful tribe, which has often played the role of "kingmaker" in the past. Nick Rowlands, Reuters.