German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle (R) with his French counterpart Alain Juppe. Photo by EPA/BGNES
Germany recognized the National Transitional Council of Libya as the sole legitimate representative of the country.
"We want a free and democratic Libya without Gaddafi," said German Minister of Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle after meeting rebel representatives in Benghazi Monday.
He also stated that his country recognizes the National Transitional Council in Benghazi as "the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people."
Germany has thus joined fellow western countries France, UK and Spain in recognizing the council in favor of the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Others who have done so include Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.