Maldives Recognises Libyan National Council as sole representative of the Libyan people

The Maldives has decided to recognise the Libyan National Transition Council as the sole legitimate representative body of the Libyan people.

The Maldives’ decision to recognise the Libyan National Transition Council follows similar recognition on 28th March 2011 by the State of Qatar - a move supported by the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and on 10th March by France.

“The Maldives will always support people who stand up against human rights violations,” said President Nasheed. “The Libyan National Transition Council has become the sole legitimate representative of Libya and its people,” the President added.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Naseem, today explained that the decision to recognise the Libyan National Transition Council was based on two considerations.

Firstly, through its actions including gross and systemic human rights violations, which appear to amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the government of Muammar Gaddafi has lost its legitimacy and its right to govern.

Secondly, the Maldives notes that the Libyan National Transition Council, including all of its representatives in the various parts of Libya, has practically become the only legitimate and popularly-supported representative of the Libyan people.