Venezuela denies Gaddafi is flying into exile there

Rumors that Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi is fleeing into exile in Venezuela are not going away, neither are the denials that he is seeking refuge in the Latin American country.

A senior government official in Venezuela has denied such reports of Gaddafi’s alleged arrival in the country, ruled by his friend and ally President Hugo Chavez.

Earlier today at an EU meeting Brussels, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague claimed he was privy to information that Gaddafi had indeed left Libya and is on his way to Caracas.

I have seen some information that suggests he is on his way there at the moment,” Hague told reporters.
Meanwhile, the fighting in Libya continues unabated, with gunfire heard on the streets of the capitol Tripoli.

There were also reports that demonstrators set fire to some government buildings.

More than 400 people have been killed in the unrest, according to media reports.

Separately, in Cairo, Libya's justice minister, Mustapha Abdeljalil, has resigned his post in protest in objection to the excessive use of force against demonstrators, according to the Quryna newspaper.

Other Libyan diplomats have also reportedly quit.

Earlier today, Moammar Gaddafi’s has denied media reports that his father has fled Libya for Venezuela.
Seif al-Islam Gaddafi said his father remains in Libya.

Appearing on state TV, Seif also declared that his father is in charge of the country with the support of the army. In a rambling speech, he said that his father would fight ... to the last bullet.

Libya and Venezuela (both OPEC members) have good relations. Last October, the two countries signed various accords covering cooperation in joint investments, commerce, and air and sea links, as well as deals in the energy, education and cultural fields.

In March 2009, the Libyan government honored Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela, by naming a soccer stadium after him.