Updated

Libya's rebel foreign minister says they are preparing to strike hard and soon against a weakened Muammar al-Qaddafi as he faces new defections, a crescendo of calls to surrender power and his weakened war machine is threatened by stronger NATO airstrikes.

Fathi Baja told The Associated Press he believes South African President Jacob Zuma is in Tripoli to negotiate an exit strategy for Qaddafi, even though Zuma's office denies that.

Baja said Monday "I think Qaddafi is in big trouble, the balance of power has changed completely militarily, the circle around him is deserting him ... even Russia is asking him to leave."

He said he thinks Qaddafi is a coward who will not fight to the death and "right now is looking for a way to leave."