"Gaddafi's departure is not being discussed," Abdelati Obeidi told reporters after talks in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Last week France said it had been contacted by Libyan envoys saying Col Gaddafi leader was prepared to leave.

Meanwhile fighting has continued between pro-Gaddafi and rebel forces.

There were fierce clashes on Wednesday near the eastern town of Brega - an important oil centre that has changed hands several times during the five-month-old conflict.

In western Libya, rebel forces in Misrata say Nato air support has allowed them to advance further against government forces.

Russia has been trying to mediate a deal to end the conflict. After Wednesday's talks in Moscow, Mr Obeidi said the Libyan government wanted to end the conflict with rebels

The rebels are holding eastern Libya and pockets in the west, but have so far not made decisive moves towards the capital Tripoli.