Libyan rebels hail US after recognition

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BENGHAZI: Libya's rebel council on Friday hailed the United States as a "protector and promoter of democracy" after Washington announced it would recognise the group as Libya's de facto government.

"The National Transitional Council today expressed its gratitude and respect to the people of the United States of America for recognising the NTC as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," the council said in a statement.

"The US has consistently developed its credentials as the protector and promoter of democracy and freedom across the world," said NTC vice chairman Abdel Hafiz Ghoga.

Earlier US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in Istanbul the NTC had offered "important assurances" to pursue democratic reform, uphold Libya's international obligations and disburse funds transparently.

"The United States is impressed by the progress the TNC has made in laying the groundwork for a successful transition... which reinforce our confidence that it is the appropriate interlocutor for us," she told reporters. (AFP)