U.S. Recognizes Libya Rebel Council as Nation's Governing Body

U.S. and international allies meeting about Libya have recognized the transitional national council as the sole legitimate governing authority in the country, a step that allows for greater funding for the opposition group.

“I am announcing today that, until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognize the TNC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya, and we will deal with it on that basis,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today in Istanbul.

The Contact Group laid out the conditions for a “genuine cease-fire” in a final statement and declared that leader Moammar Gadhafi and certain members of his family must go.