Germany: Rebel council represents Libyans

Germany's foreign minister said on Monday the rebel National Transitional Council was the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, speaking during a visit to the east Libyan city of Benghazi.

"We share the same goal -- Libya without (Libyan leader Muammar) Gaddafi. The national council is the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Guido Westerwelle told a news conference in Benghazi, speaking alongside rebel foreign minister Ali El-Essawi. Libyans listening burst into applause after he made the announcement.(Reuters)