inteldaily.com: African Union Refuses Appeals to Recognize Libya’s Rebels

28.8.11

African Union Refuses Appeals to Recognize Libya’s Rebels: VOA News - The African Union [AU] has rejected calls for recognition of Libya’s rebel Transitional National Council. The decision highlights Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s lingering influence at the continental organization he headed as recently as two years ago.



United Nations Deputy Secretary General Asha Rose Migiro opened an African Union Peace and Security summit Friday by urging the continental body to recognize Libya’s new political reality.



“We must help the country’s new leaders to establish an effective, legitimate government – a government that represents and speaks for all the country’s diverse people; a government that can deliver on its people’s hopes,” said Migiro.



Rebel leaders face pushback



But in a setback for Libya’s rebel leaders, the 15-member Peace and Security Council rejected Migiro’s plea. A communiqu�read by AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra called instead for a transitional government that would include Gadhafi loyalists.