Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who is still clinging to power despite nationwide protests to have him removed, has spoken infront of an applauding audience shown on Libyan television.

Gaddafi explained that he was not a president and so could not resign from his position. He also added that there were no internal problems in Libya.

"Muammar Gaddafi is not a president to resign, he does not even have a parliament to dissolve," he said in a speech, adding that he held "no position from which to step down."

"The Libyan system is a system of the people and no one can go against the authority of the people. ..The people are free to chose the authority they see fit," he continued.

The leader said that the world did not understand the Libyan system that puts power in the hands of the people.

"We put our fingers in the eyes of those who doubt that Libya is ruled by anyone other than its people," he said.