14:52 ET<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe European Union’s foreign policy chief has opened an EU office in the rebel-held Libyan city of Benghazi.<\/p>\n
Catherine Ashton said the rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) represented the aspirations of Libyans and would receive support from the EU.<\/p>\n
Her visit is being seen as a boost for the TNC as it seeks recognition.<\/p>\n
It came after Nato warplanes carried out further attacks on government targets in Tripoli, including Col Muammar Gaddafi’s compound.<\/p>\n
Opening the new EU mission in Benghazi, Baroness Ashton said: “We are here for the long term.”<\/p>\n
She added: “What we can offer is support to Libyan institutions and the economy. We will be here to support you all the way.”<\/p>\n
‘Illegitimate’<\/span><\/p>\nSo far the TNC has been recognised as Libya’s legitimate government by only a handful of countries, including France and Italy – although most EU countries support the Nato air campaign aimed at protecting civilians.<\/p>\n
Baroness Ashton said the EU regarded the council as “people with whom we have a strong dialogue”.<\/p>\n
The head of the TNC, Mustafa Abdul Jalil, thanked “the European Union for supporting the revolution”.<\/p>\n
In Tripoli, Col Gaddafi’s government said opening an EU office in rebel-held territory was tantamount to the “recognition of an illegitimate entity”.<\/p>\n
“This will have repercussions on Libya’s rapport with several EU countries and institutions,” a foreign ministry statement said.<\/p>\n
The rebels rose up against Col Gaddafi’s 41-year rule in February, swiftly capturing Benghazi and other eastern cities.<\/p>\n
Col Gaddafi’s forces remain entrenched in Tripoli and the west, despite the Nato campaign.<\/p>\n
The latest strike on Tripoli struck the port area and Col Gaddafi’s sprawling Bab al-Aziziya compound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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