U.K. recognizes Libyan rebels, expels Qaddafi envoys
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 27 July 2011 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.K. recognizes Libyan rebels, expels Qaddafi envoys, 27 July 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e4a290328.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 27.07.2011 10:53
U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague (file photo)
Britain has formally recognized Libyan rebels seeking to topple Muammar Qaddafi as Libya's legitimate government and expelled the last of the Libyan Embassy staff in London.
"The prime minister and I have decided that the United Kingdom recognizes and will deal with the National Transitional Council as the sole governmental authority in Libya," Foreign Secretary William Hague told a news conference. "This decision reflects the National Transition Council's increasing legitimacy, competence, and success in reaching out to Libyans across the country."
He added that Britain was expelling all remaining staff from the Libyan Embassy in London and invited representatives of the rebels' National Transitional Council to replace diplomats loyal to Qaddafi.
The move implements a decision taken at a July 15 meeting in Istanbul during which the United States, Britain, and 30 other states recognized the National Transitional Council as Libya's sole legitimate government.
Britain had already expelled the Libyan ambassador in London following attacks on its embassy in Tripoli, as well as several other Libyan diplomats, including the country's military attache.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website