Canada recognises Libya rebel movement

Canada formally recognised the Libyan rebels as the legitimate government of the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird told Parliament the rebels are the true representatives of the Libyan people.

He said the recognition is part of an enhanced effort to work with the National Transitional Council of Libya, the key rebel organisation fighting dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Canada joined France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in formally recognising the council.

The minister’s announcement came before Parliament voted 294-1 to extend Canada’s military mission in Libya to the end of September.

After the vote, Mr Baird told reporters that he planned to meet soon with a Canadian-based member of the council.

He moved to dispel any apprehension about the council, saying it represents “the best hope” for the future of the Libyan people.

“Whatever happens, they couldn’t be any worse than Colonel Gaddafi,” said Mr Baird, who reaffirmed last month’s G8 commitment that Gaddafi must go.

Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay said pressure must be maintained on the Gaddafi regime to ensure that civilians are protected from further attacks.

“Strikes on his command-and-control posts must and will continue,” Mr MacKay said.

In March, Canada sent fighter jets, patrol planes, aerial tankers and a warship to join a United Nations-sanctioned mission led by Nato to protect civilians from Gaddafi’s forces.