Germany recognises Libya rebels as sole government

BBC News, 13 June 2011

Guido Westerwelle (left) spoke alongside Libyan rebel foreign
minister Ali Issawi

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

"We want a free Libya, in peace and democracy without [Muammar] 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.

The NTC emerged from the forces which began a revolt against Colonel Gaddafi's rule on 16 February.

After months of bloody conflict, Col Gaddafi remains in control of the capital Tripoli while the rebels hold Benghazi and much of the east.

'Same goal'

Speaking alongside rebel foreign minister Ali Issawi, Mr Westerwelle said: "We share the same goal: Libya without Gaddafi.

"The national council is the legitimate representative of the Libyan people."

Libyans listening burst into applause after he made the announcement.

A senior rebel official, NTC Vice-Chairman Abdel Hafez Ghoga, welcomed the German decision as a "very big step".

German opposition politicians, media commentators and foreign policy experts had sharply criticised the government for not joining Nato's air campaign, accusing it of failing to live up to its international obligations.