Mikhail Margelov, personal envoy of Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, said discussions were held in Paris between representatives of the Tripoli government and the Benghazi-based rebels.

He said he had been told of the “direct contacts” by Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi, Libya’s Prime Minister, at a meeting in the Libyan capital. He did not give details.

The talks, which would breach rebel demands that Col Gaddafi stand down before negotiations begin, were not confirmed by the opposition Transitional National Council…

The chances of a breakthrough remain bleak. Mr Mahmoudi continued to insist yesterday that Col Gaddafi would not leave the country, as the rebels and Nato insist.