This should incorporate elements of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime, said international relations and co-operation deputy director-general Clayson Monyela.

Responding to questions at a media briefing in Pretoria after the cabinet's fortnightly meeting on Wednesday, he told journalists this view was consistent with the AU so-called road map for peace in Libya.

"Our expectation would be that with the imminent fall of the government of Colonel Gaddafi, you would then have an interim government or authority which would come into place.

"That authority would then begin... the process of the drafting of an interim constitution, leading to a referendum, leading to a free and fair democratic election.

"Then you start the process of stabilising the country, building the nation, reconciliation, unity, reconstructing the infrastructure, reviving economy.

"Our expectation as the South African government, consistent with the AU, is that this will be an all-inclusive process. So you will have elements of the NTC [National Transitional Council] as well as elements of the regime or government of Colonel Gaddafi."

Monyela also restated the government's position on its objection at the UN to the "unfreezing" of Libyan assets.

While South Africa was not opposed to releasing funds for humanitarian purposes, "what we have raised caution on is the releasing or unfreezing of assets to the rebels, or the NTC".

The UN had not recognised the NTC as the new government in Libya.

"You can't then ask a UN committee to release funds to a structure that is not recognised by the UN," Monyela said.

Further, the AU had not yet pronounced on the matter, but would do so on Friday following a meeting of its peace and security council in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Only after this pronouncement "can we talk about this unfreezing of assets", he said, adding that South Africa would "take our cue" from the AU.

By SAPA