Russia Recognizes Libyan Rebels as Legitimate Negotiators

Source: RIA Novosti

Russia recognizes Libya's Transitional National Council as a legitimate negotiator on Libya's future, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.

Lavrov met with Abdel Rahman Shalgam, a representative of the Libyan opposition, on Monday. The opposition has been seeking to oust Libya's long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi since mid-February.

"The Transitional National Council does not seek to be recognized as the only legitimate representative of the Libyan people, but wants to be seen as a legitimate partner in negotiations on Libya's future," Sergei Lavrov said.