Germany Recognizes Rebels As Fighting Rages In Libya

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Source: RFE/agencies

Germany has given official recognition to Libya's rebels, amid a surge in fighting across the country.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on June 13, after meeting rebel leaders in their capital Benghazi, that Germany recognizes their National Transitional Council (NTC) as the "sole legitimate representative" of the Libyan people.

Germany has become the 13th nation to afford the NTC this status as the only valid representative of the Libyan populace.

Berlin abstained from a UN Security Council resolution vote on March 17 backing intervention in Libya and chose not to join the NATO-led air war in support of the rebels.

Read more: http://www.rferl.org/content/germany_recognizes_rebels_as_fighting_rages_in_libya/24233736.html

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1. BBC: Germany has recognised Libya's rebels as "the legitimate representatives of the Libyan people".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13753422

"We want a free Libya, in peace and democracy without Gaddafi," Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in the rebel stronghold Benghazi.

About a dozen states have recognised the National Transitional Council.

Germany came under criticism for its refusal to back a UN Security Council resolution authorising Nato action to protect Libyan civilians.

German liberal opposition politicians, media commentators and foreign policy experts had sharply criticised the government for its position on Col Gaddafi, accusing it of failing to live up to its international obligations.