In a speech before judges that was to be broadcast on state television, Kadhafi also called for abrogating the criminal code introduced after the revolution.

An emergency court was established in 1969 to try members of the ousted leadership but has been kept in place 35 years later.

The Libyan leader also called for better treatment of prisoners and called for an investigation at Abu Salim prison where more than 600 Islamists are detained amid criticism from human rights groups.

London-based Amnesty International said on March 1 it had received from the Libyan authorities "assurances" they would take into account its recommendations for improving human rights in Libya.

In a statement published after a February 14-29 visit that was its first visit to Libya since 1988, Amnesty said its delegation led by Claudio Cardone met with Kadhafi, who said he appreciated the group's remarks and recommendations.

Amnesty asked for "immediate" steps like the release of people detained for peaceful political activities, the abolition of emergency courts, the opening of independent investigations into those who have gone missing inside and outside Libya as well as a moratorium on capital punishment.