Gaddafi: Do not believe channels belonging to stray dogs

The United Nations Security Council will meet Tuesday to discuss the situation in Libya, BBC Russian reports citing diplomatic sources.

The meeting will be held behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi signaled his defiance in the face of a mounting revolt against his 41-year rule on Tuesday, making a brief appearance on state television and denying he had fled the country, Reuters reports.

His forces have cracked down fiercely on anti-government demonstrators, with fighting now spreading to the capital Tripoli after erupting in Libya's oil-producing east last week.

In his first appearance on television since the revolt broke out, Gaddafi was shown holding an umbrella in a 22-second statement. He denied reports that he had fled to Venezuela, ruled by his friend President Hugo Chavez.

"I want to show that I'm in Tripoli and not in Venezuela. Do not believe the channels belonging to stray dogs," said Gaddafi, leaning out of a van in front of his house.