Australia is showing its support for Libya's rebels, backing up its recognition of their leadership by sending a delegation to Benghazi, led by the deputy secretary of the Foreign Affairs Department.
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“Australia's effort has been on the humanitarian side, something we're keen to pursue,” DFAT Deputy Secretary Paul Grigson said.
But of course, we support all efforts to remove Gaddafi from Libya,” he added.
France earlier said it's time for Libya's rebels to negotiate with Gaddafi, suggesting there can be no military solution, despite spearheading NATO's bombing campaign - along with Britain
“We will stop bombing as soon as Libyans talk to each other and both sides go back to their barracks,” French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet said.
“Force won't solve the problems between them. We've stopped the hand that struck out and asked them to speak to each other,” he added.
The French are growing impatient with a lack of progress, after more than three months of air strikes.
"God willing, and with solidarity, standing as one on the front-line, there will be victory,” a rebel fighter said.
But Gaddafi's forces have launched counter attacks on rebel positions.
And there's been a defiant show of support for Gaddafi in a key battleground in the mountains west of Tripoli, where women are taking up arms to fight for their leader.
“We're training with weapons to learn to defend ourselves, our country and our leader," a Gaddafi supporter said.
As the Libyan mission drags on, with no end in sight, cracks are emerging in the NATO alliance - over how to proceed.
But the US is standing firm. It says there can be no compromise and Gaddafi cannot stay in power.
