Britain has officially expelled all diplomats from Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's regime and recognized the opposition Transitional National Council as the country's legitimate government.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said Wednesday the move is based on the opposition's increasing legitimacy, competency and success in reaching out to Libyans across the country. He said Britain will deal with the Council just as it does governments all around the world.
Hague said the Transitional National Council is working towards a more open and democratic Libya, which is in “stark contrast” to Mr. Gadhafi, whose “brutality” against the Libyan people has stripped him of legitimacy.
The United States, France and more than 30 other countries have recognized the Transitional National Council as Libya's interim government.
Hague said the international community's military efforts have save thousands of lives in Libya. NATO has carried out airstrikes under a United Nations Security Council resolution to protect civilians.
Hague also announced Britain is releasing $149 million in frozen Libyan assets to assist the Libyan people.
Britain's decision to recognize the opposition comes a day after Libya's prime minister said Mr. Gadhafi's departure is not up for discussion.
Al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi also said Tuesday there will be no way to have dialogue on Libya's political crisis until what he called NATO “aggression” stops.
He commented after talks with U.N. special envoy Abdul Elah al-Khatib, who met with the Libyan opposition on Monday in Benghazi.
Khatib said that after meeting with the government and opposition that it is clear the two sides are “far apart” on reaching a political solution. But he said both sides remain committed to working with the United Nations.
In Brussels, a NATO spokeswoman said allied forces will continue military operations in Libya for as long as needed, and that Mr. Gadhafi “cannot wait us out.” Carmen Romero said NATO will keep up its airstrikes as long as pro-Gadhafi forces attack or threaten civilians.
The NATO strikes continue as a number of nations pursue diplomatic efforts to reach a political solution to the conflict between Mr. Gadhafi's government and the rebels seeking to oust him.
On Sunday, the head of Libya's opposition movement said Mr. Gadhafi and his family may stay in the country as long as they give up power and rebel leaders determine where and under what conditions they remain.
