Cairo, Sep 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Libya's rebel-led National Transitional Council (NTC), based in Benghazi, will move to capital Tripoli next week, NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil has said.


"I hope we will move to Tripoli next week. But before this we should thank the rebels and Benghazi residents," Jalil was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

The NTC has already been recognised by 60 countries as the only legitimate power in Libya.

Jalil said Tripoli has become safe enough to establish the council's headquarters there.

He also said that towns controlled by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi have seven days to surrender.

"We want to avoid bloodshed, destruction of infrastructure and national institutions. So we are issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the towns of Bani Walid, Sirte, Al Jufrah and Sabha," he said.

The demand came as the NTC announced to hold nationwide elections in 20 months.