Libya's Islamists Deny Alliance With Qaddafi

Seif al-Islam Qaddafi

A top Islamist leader in Libya's rebel-held east today denied that Islamist rebels have forged an alliance with Muammar Qaddafi's family.

Qaddafi's son Seif al-Islam Qaddafi told "The New York Times" that his family had forged an alliance with Islamist rebels among the insurgents to drive out the secular opposition to his father's 40-year rule.

Ali Sallabi said Seif al-Islam's statements are "baseless," although he acknowledged talking with Seif.

Sallabi said relations between the Islamists and seculars are "strong."

The rebels include some Islamists but insist they are united in wanting to overthrow Qaddafi and establish a democratic government.

compiled from agency reports