Libya suspends diplomatic relations with France

Libya announced the suspension on Friday of its diplomatic relations with France, the only Western country that has recognised the rebel council in Benghazi fighting to oust Muammar Gaddafi from power.

Libya announced the suspension on Friday of its diplomatic relations with France, the only Western country that has recognised the rebel council in Benghazi fighting to oust Muammar Gaddafi from power.

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"Today the decision has been taken to suspend diplomatic relations with France," Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Kaim told journalists in Tripoli. "It's clear the French government is concentrating on dividing Libya."

France's European Union partners have not followed Paris's lead and an EU summit in Brussels on Friday stopped short of deciding on backing a no-fly zone or other military measures against Gaddafi.