Moamer Gaddafi "must leave power and Libya," said a US statement released on Monday as Washington's most senior envoy to date held talks in the rebel capital Benghazi. During his three-day visit Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, who arrived on Sunday, was holding talks with leaders of the rebels' National Transitional Council, including its chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil. "Feltman's visit is another signal of the US's support for the NTC, a legitimate and credible interlocutor for the Libyan people," a statement released by the US representative's office to the council said. "The United States remains committed to protecting Libyan civilians and believes that Gaddafi must leave power and Libya. "The Libyan people, like people everywhere, have the right to determine their own future and the United States will continue to support them and to work with the NTC in this endeavour."