France has recognised the Libyan National Council, a rebel body fighting to oust Muammar Gaddafi, as the legitimate representative of Libya's people.
"France recognises the National Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people. There will be an exchange of ambassadors between Paris and Benghazi," an official told reporters.
A French diplomatic source told Reuters: "It's a political signal of encouragement and we hope that the European Union will follow suit."
See Reuters’ report here.