UAE recognises Libya's rebel council

“This recognition affirms that the UAE is committed to maintaining strong ties with the Libyan people and to its Arab stand. It also emanates from our keenness on the unity of Libyan territories and the future of this sisterly Arab country,” the UAE Foreign Minister, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement.

Shaikh Abdullah added that the new development stemmed from a strong belief that the TNC had practically become a representative of Libya and the Libyan people.

“Based on this, UAE’s dealing with the TNC will take the form of a government-to-government relationship in all issues related to Libya.” Shaikh Abdullah said the UAE will open a representative office in Benghazi soon.

“There is no legitimacy in Libya today but of the TNC. We will work towards helping our Libyan brothers out of this difficult situation and look forward to build a brighter future that would enable Libya regain its natural position among countries of the world.”

He said the UAE will open a representative office soon in Benghazi, the east Libyan city where rebels fighting the government of veteran leader Muammar Gaddafi are based.

The annoucement came during a visit to the UAE by rebel council head Mustafa Abdul Jalil.