Gaddafi (Creative Commons)

"We will not surrender," Gaddafi said. "We are not women and we are going to keep on fighting.” 

Gaddafi warned that his followers were ready for battle, just as rebels have extended their deadline for loyalist forces to surrender peacefully. 

Libyan rebels chased Gaddafi into hiding on Aug. 20, but he has maintained a presence through audio broadcasts and statements by his sons. Gaddafi insisted to his supporters that they should continue fighting even if they don’t hear his voice. 

Gaddafi’s message is similar to the one his son, Saif al-Islam, made to Syrian television on Wednesday. Saif insisted that victory was within reach and his father was in good shape. 

Various reports that rebel forces had cornered Gaddafi in Bani Walid cannot be confirmed. There is also speculation that Gaddafi may be hiding in Sirte or Sabha. 

Just as Gaddafi was making his statement, new Libyan leaders met with foreign allies in Paris. British and French leaders said dozens of world nations have pledged support to Libya’s new leadership. 

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed that the National Transitional Council should counter violent extremism. 

“Libya’s new leadership will need to continue to stand against violent extremism and work with us to ensure that weapons from Gaddafi’s stockpiles do not threaten Libya’s neighborhoods and the world,” Clinton said.