In Libya, rebels have abandoned the key oil town of Brega following a fierce offensive by government troops. Al Jazeera has reported that the opposition forces are retreating to the eastern city of Ajdabiya after coming under intense and renewed bombardment outside Brega, a part of which the rebels had taken over on Monday. The control of the oil town is vital as the capture of the oil pipeline terminus, small refinery and Mediterranean port can boost the opposition hunt for revenues. Meanwhile, diplomatic moves to end the month-long conflict made little headway with the Libyan government stating that it is open to negotiate all reforms except Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's exit.