Live Blog: Libya Developments On Tuesday

Leaders and foreign ministers of some 40 countries are meeting in London to discuss the next military steps in Libya. Rebels continue to battle fighters loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi for control of coastal cities. (This post will refresh every 30 minutes unless we jump in with breaking news.)

It's hard to judge the latest on the fighting. The Wall Street Journal's headline reads "Rebels Move On Gadhafi Hometown" while Reuters reports "Gadhafi Forces Push Libya Rebels Back To Bin Jawad".

President Obama said during his Libya speech last night the U.S. will hand off its leading role in Libya to NATO on Wednesday. The AP reports today's international conference in London will also include representatives from the Arab League, the African Union and the UN. Italy plans to present a three part plan for Libya: a quick end to the military effort; exile for Gadhafi; and reconciliation between his loyalists and rebel troops.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in London. NPR's Michele Kelemen tells NPR Newscasts Clinton met with a Libyan rebel leader. Michele reports the U.S. plans to send an American envoy to Benghazi, Libya, the city controlled by rebels.

Gadhafi has demanded the world power stop their 'barbaric offensive' against his country. SkyNews says he's sent a letter to the leaders in London, comparing Allied airstrikes in Libya to Hitler's attacks in World War II. Copyright 2011 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.