CAIRO: The Egyptian government and the Arab League announced on Monday their recognition of the Libyan Transitional Council. Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr said in a statement that “Egypt recognizes the new regime in Libya and its legitimate leadership represented in the Libyan National Transitional Council.” Egypt's recognition comes one day after the rebels advanced to the capital Tripoli, while Muammar Gaddafi's whereabouts remain unknown. Two of his sons have been captured, including Seif al-Islam, who has a warrant out for his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Arab League supported the Libyan National Transitional Council (LNTC) in a statement released on Monday. “Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby offers his full solidarity with the ongoing efforts under the leadership of the National Transitional Council,” the Arab League said in an issued statement. The Arab League had suspended Libya's membership in February following the violent attacks the government launched against the rebels. They said it will hand over the Libyan representative seat to the LNTC. The Arab League supported the NATO-backed intervention in Libya and had sent medical supplies to the country since the violence erupted. The Libyan embassy in Cairo, which witnessed massive celebrations Sunday night after news came out that the rebels had seized Tripoli, will also be handed over to the LNTC. BM
