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| Africa North |
| US recognises Libyan rebel TNC as legitimate authority |
| 2011-07-15 |
| The United States has recognised the Libyan opposition as the country's "legitimate governing authority". The move means billions of dollars of Libyan assets frozen in US banks could be released to the rebels. The decision was announced by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a diplomatic meeting in Istanbul. Western and Arab members of the Libya Contact Group are drawing up a plan to end hostilities, which will be presented to Col Muammar Gaddafi. "The United States views the Gaddafi regime as no longer having any legitimate authority in Libya," Mrs Clinton said. "And so I am announcing today that, until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognise the TNC [Transitional National Council] as the legitimate governing authority for Libya, and we will deal with it on that basis." Continue reading the main story This move means the US and other countries will be able to unblock some $30bn in frozen assets to assist the Libyan opposition. It's a financial boost for the TNC but also adds to their credibility. Because the US only recognises states and not governments, the wording - calling the TNC the "legitimate governing authority" - was chosen carefully. It may sound like semantics but the wording had legal implications. There were also concerns about recognising unelected representatives without a clear road map for a transition to democracy. She added: "The TNC has offered important assurances today, including the promise to pursue a process of democratic reform that is inclusive both geographically and politically." The TNC said it "expressed its gratitude and respect to the people of the United States", which it called "the protector and promoter of democracy and freedom across the world". |
| Posted by:tipper |
| #3 Yes, and |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2011-07-15 23:44 |
| #2 This whole Libya thing should play well on the arab street..."Dictator Minding his Own Business Gets Overthrown by Evil, US-led Global Conspiracy!" Meanwhile, in the US, no one gives a shit. Ironic. |
| Posted by: Blossom Forkbeard2446 2011-07-15 21:42 |
| #1 There were also concerns about recognising unelected representatives without a clear road map for a transition to democracy. Or in the Chicago political-machine parlance: "We don't trust nobody that 'nobody' sent." |
| Posted by: Pappy 2011-07-15 18:51 |