US recognizes Libyan rebels as Libyan government

The move gives foes of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi a major financial and credibility boost.

Istanbul: US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Obama administration has decided to formally recognize Libya`s main opposition group as the country`s legitimate government. The move gives foes of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi a major financial and credibility boost.
Clinton announced Friday that Washington accepts the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority of the Libyan people. Diplomatic recognition of the council means that the US will be able to fund the opposition with some of the more than $30 billion in Gaddafi-regime assets that are frozen in American banks.

Clinton made the announcement at an international conference on Libya in Istanbul.

Bureau Report