U.S. Formally Recognizes Libya Rebels

[Ringel05]

ISTANBUL (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Obama administration has decided to formally recognize Libya's main opposition group as the country's legitimate government. The move gives foes of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a major financial and credibility boost.

Clinton announced Friday that Washington accepts the Transitional National Council as the legitimate governing authority of the Libyan people. Diplomatic recognition of the council means that the U.S. will be able to fund the opposition with some of the more than $30 billion in Gahdafi-regime assets that are frozen in American banks.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/07/15/world/europe/AP-EU-US-Libya.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

 

[Mr.Owl]

 

[waltky]

Muammar cryin' sour grapes...

US recognition of Libya rebels could bring more funds
July 15, 2011 - At an Istanbul meeting, Secretary of State Clinton announced US recognition for Libya's rebels and pledged more aid to help them oust Muammar Qaddafi.

After months of conflict and NATO airstrikes in Libya, the United States on Friday recognized the opposition's Transitional National Council (TNC) as the “legitimate governing authority” in Libya as it continues its NATO-backed bid to remove Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. Meeting for the fourth time to chart the future of a “post-Qaddafi era,” the 30-member Libya contact group in Istanbul on Friday pledged more money, bestowed more legitimacy, and promised more NATO airstrikes to help increasingly organized opposition forces conclude an operation that has dragged on far longer than anticipated and still has no end in sight.

Britain pledged four more jet fighters, but the belated US recognition may do more to assist the cash- and fuel-starved opposition with freeing up frozen funds and receiving military assistance. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that “increasingly the people of Libya are looking past Qaddafi,” because “they know, as we all know, that it is no longer a question of whether Qaddafi will leave power, but when." The TNC has become the “appropriate interlocutor in dealing with Libya’s present and addressing Libya’s future,” said Mrs. Clinton. US, NATO and contact group action would continue “to bring about Qaddafi’s departure, a ceasefire, and a political transition,” added Clinton. The TNC had offered “important assurances today” to pursue democratic reform and transparency.

Adhering to those assurances may not be easy, judging by issues that have recently dogged the TNC. “Life’s too comfortable in Benghazi. No real leadership. And too much suspicion and posturing by the individuals in and around the Council,” says one European analyst in Benghazi who asked not to be named. The result is an “astonishing lack of urgency from Benghazi in the last few weeks.” The renewed statements of support from the contact group – and pledges of several hundred million more dollars for the opposition – came as rebel forces fighting on both eastern and western fronts have found it difficult to solidify military advances.

Stalled advance?

See also:

Gadhafi: Recognition of rebels 'worthless'
July 16, 2011 -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, in a speech broadcast on state TV, told his supporters the international recognition of the rebels is "worthless."

An audio broadcast was transmitted Friday night after the Libyan Contact Group at a meeting in Turkey said the rebels are the country's legitimate government, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who attended the Istanbul meeting, said the United States joined in the move.

"Trample on those recognitions, trample on them under your feet. They are worthless," Gadhafi said. "Their decisions, their recognition, they are all now under your feet. Stomp on them."

Britain announced Friday it is increasing its military support for the rebels. Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said four additional RAF Tornados equipped for aerial reconnaissance were being dispatched. Twelve British aircraft were already participating in the NATO military effort to support the rebels.

Read more: Gadhafi: Recognition of rebels 'worthless' - UPI.com

 

[High_Gravity]

Isn't this something that should have been done months ago? everything we do in this conflict is either a day late or a dollar short.