South Africa on Monday dismissed reports that the country sent planes to Libya to arrange for the exit of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Speaking at a press conference, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the Libyan leader won't seek refuge in South Africa.

The minister also said the current whereabouts of the Libyan leader are unknown.

She said that she was amazed that there was even an insinuation that South Africa was arranging the exit of anyone.

" The South African government would like to refute and dispel rumors that it has sent planes to Libya to fly individuals to some undisclosed locations or South Africa."

The minister said her government is not ready to recognize the Libyan rebel government at the moment.

"As far as we are concerned, if this government falls, there is no government," Nkoana-Mashabane noted.

Days ago, South Africa criticized western powers for the prolonged conflict in Libya.

The Libya conflict could have been stopped much sooner if western powers listened to African leaders, former South African president Thabo Mbeki said on Saturday.

Mbeki said that the African Union (AU) had a peace plan which the Libyan government accepted, but the continent's leaders were overruled by major powers.

Mbeki made the remarks at the Africa Arise Summit in Bloemfontein which was attended by students and guests.