Rebel groups in Libya said Monday that Germany had recognized the National Transitional Council organized by the them as the single legitimate representatives of the Libyan people – thus declaring the government of Muammar Qaddafi irrelevant, if not illegal. Speaking to reporters, the council's vice chairman Abdel Hafiz Ghoga said that German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who had visited the Council in its Benghazi headquarters, had told rebel leaders that  he came here to support the Libyan revolution, to support the national council. They believe it is the legitimate representation of the Libyan people. It is a very a big step and we appreciate it,” he said.

Earlier, Westerwelle said in a statement that Germany would support the Council in creating a "democratic and constitutional Libya," but the statement did not mention recognition of the rebels as the legitimate government of Libya.