Libya's rebel-led Transitional National Council has now been officially recognized by Russia as the country legitimate authority.

"The Russian Federation recognizes Libya's Transitional National Council (TNC) as the ruling authority and notes its reform program that includes the development of a new constitution, holding general elections and forming the government," the Russian Foreign Ministrysaid in a statement, as cited by The Economic Times.

"Our country has established and continued diplomatic relations with Libya since September 4, 1955, without a break, no matter what government holds power in Tripoli," the statement goes.

On Thursday, international talks in Paris will take place amid the dramatic developments in Libya, where rebels have established control over most of the capital, Tripoli. Gaddafi himself has fled his compound in Tripoli and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Russia will send its envoys to the international, the Russian presidential envoy to Africa said on Wednesday.

The conference that has been backed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron will comprise 60 delegations of countries that have declared themselves as "friends of Libya,"who will discuss the country's future after the end of dictator Muammar Gaddafi's era,' RIA Novosti points out.