International recognition of the National Transitional Council


International recognition of the National Transitional Council of Libya was given by the majority of international states but was not universal.
By 2012, 104 United Nations members and two observer states had announced they recognised the NTC as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, and some of them had indicated that they were recognising the NTC as the only legitimate representative of the Libyan people, severing diplomatic relations with Gaddafi's government in the process. Additionally, non-UN members, Kosovo, Palestine, the Republic of China, also granted recognition. The European Union and several individual countries, such as Switzerland, established a diplomatic presence in Benghazi, the former de facto headquarters of the council and the continuing location for many of its offices. NTC officials also met with representatives of Iceland and Mauritania, among other states, though these states were not known to have established permanent diplomatic relations with the NTC.
The United Nations General Assembly, with 114 member states in favour to 17 opposed, voted on 16 September 2011 to recognise the NTC as holding Libya's seat at the United Nations. On 20 September 2011, the African Union officially recognised the National Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of Libya.

International standing

The council stated that it would like to be recognised by the international community. The Chairman of the Council told Al Jazeera that "there are official contacts with European and Arab ".

Recognition

As of 30 November 2011, 102 UN member states and four other countries have stated they recognise the National Transitional Council as the sole legitimate representative body of Libya. On 15 July, many of these countries constituting the Libya Contact Group issued a joint statement that they consider the council to be Libya's "legitimate authority".
The number of countries recognising the NTC has increased rapidly since its fighters' entry into Tripoli on 21 August. Prior to the start of the battle, 35 UN member states had granted recognition. After the United Nations General Assembly voted to recognise the NTC's designated representative, acknowledging the council as Libya's governing authority, several countries that had previously opposed international recognition of the NTC reversed themselves by recognising it.
The NTC has been recognised by all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, though the recognitions of Russia and the People's Republic of China followed anti-Gaddafi fighters' takeover of Tripoli, as well as all European Union member states. All of the G4 nations except Brazil have also recognised the NTC. All NATO members except Iceland have formally recognised the council. However, both Brazil and Iceland voted in favour of the NTC at the UN.

UN observer states

EntityDate/Status of recognitionNotes
1Recognised on 22 August 2011A spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the PA as well as the State of Palestine and the Palestinian Liberation Organization had recognised the NTC as Libya's legitimate government.
2Recognised on 20 October 2011After the conclusion of the Battle of Sirte, the Vatican press office released a statement acknowledging the end of a "long and tragic" fight against Gaddafi's "cruel and oppressive regime" and recognising the NTC as Libya's legitimate authority in the wake of Gaddafi's death.

Non-UN member governments

EntityDate/Status of recognitionNotes
1Recognised on 27 August 2011On 22 August, the Foreign Ministry of Kosovo said it would work with the NTC and hoped it would recognise Kosovo's independence soon, something Muammar Gaddafi's government had refused to do. Five days later, Kosovar Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj sent a letter to Mahmoud Jibril congratulating him on his faction's success and informing him that Kosovo recognizes the NTC as Libya's "legitimate authority".
2Recognised on 16 September 2011On 16 September, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced recognition of the National Transitional Council as the legitimate government of Libya.

Countries that have voted against NTC credentials acceptance at the UNGA

Member states of ALBA adopted statements against the NTC or in support of the Gaddafi government, and voted against the NTC at the UNGA.
Most of the SADC members, Kenya and Equatorial Guinea adopted statements about "all-inclusive government", unsuccessfully proposed to postpone the UNGA vote and subsequently voted against the NTC.
Several international organisations formed a relationship with the National Transitional Council in Benghazi, and the NTC was formally accredited as Libya's legitimate representative by some of them.
The following individuals expressed their support for the council: