Cote d'Ivoire recognizes Libya's NTC

Cote d'Ivoire's Foreign Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan announced on Thursday his government's decision to recognize the National Transitional Council as the "legitimate representative of the Libyan people charged with the responsibility of guiding political transition in Libya." Duncan said that his government had asked CNT to begin dialogue that will lead to free, open and transparent elections in order for the country to achieve sustainable development. The Cote d'Ivoire minister asked this organization to work for justice and ensure that it defends the interests of the Libyan people. "Cote d'Ivoire is very disturbed by the prevailing situation in Libya, especially the massacre of civilian population and massive violation of human rights," he declared. The recognition of CNT by Cote d'Ivoire came after the take over of the town of Tripoli by the rebels.