Obama invites rebels to open office in Washington DC

A senior U.S. diplomat says President Barack Obama has invited the Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council to open an office in Washington DC.

Speaking in the de-facto rebel capital of Benghazi, "U.S. Assistant Secretary-of-State for Near Eastern Affairs", Jeffrey Feltman, says the invitation marked an "important milestone" in the relationship with the NTC, and that he was pleased they had accepted the offer. Several countries, including France and Italy, have recognized the NTC, while the U.S., the European Union and others have established a diplomatic presence in Benghazi. In addition, Feltman announced that the US has given more than 50-million U.S. dollars to aid the Libyan people.

He said, "We've given today 53.5 (m) million (U.S.) dollars to address the humanitarian crisis that stems from Gadhafi's attack on his people. This is to international partners who are working in part inside Libya and in part with the refugees who are in Tunisia and Egypt. So, it's addressing refugee needs outside Libya's borders, it's addressing the needs of the people of Misrata and others, it's through international partners."

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