In Libya, there was respite from the intense fighting as the rebels have offered a relaxation due to Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The National Transitional Council Chief Mustafa Abdel Jalil told reporters in the rebel stronghold Benghazi that the respite was offered to mark the three-day Eid ul-Fitr Muslim feast which follows the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. He said talks were under way with officials in towns including Gaddafi's birthplace Sirte to arrange their peaceful surrender. The rebels have issued a Saturday ultimatum for Muammar Gaddafi forces to surrender or face a military onslaught. The battle currently appears to be winding down, as the rebels have overrun capital Tripoli. NATO however said, Col.Gaddafi is still able to command and control his remaining troops even though he is on the run. The military spokesman of the NATO air mission in Libya, Colonel Roland Lavoie said in Brussels that pro-Gaddafi troops are retreating in an orderly fashion, conceding ground and going to the second best position that they could hold to continue their warfare. Algeria meanwhile have defended its decision to give shelter to Gaddafi's wife and three children, as the rebels demanded they be returned for trial. Algerian foreign ministry spokesman Amar Belani said, the decision to allow Gadhafi's wife Safiya, daughter Aisha and sons Mohammed and Hannibal to cross into the country was based solely on humanitarian concerns.