Libya: Vatican says NTC is 'legitimate' leadership, wishes it well

Vatican City, 21 Oct. (AKI) - One day after the killing of ousted Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, the Vatican said it recognised the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) and wished it success in starting anew more than four decades after the deceased leader took power in a coup.

"Given that the NTC is now acting effectively as the government in Tripoli, the Holy See considers it the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, in conformity with international law," the Vatican said on Friday in a statement.

Gaddafi on Thursday was killed by forces overseen by the transitional government that two months ago conquered Libyan capital Tripoli. The man who ruled Libya for more than 41 years was shot dead soon after soldiers found him hiding in a large sewer drainage pipe.

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Holy See's secretary for relations with states, spoke with Abdurrahman M. Shalgham, permanent representative of Libya to the United Nations in September at the opening of the UN's General Assembly, the statement said.

More recently, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, apostolic nuncio, or ambassador, to Libya based in Malta travelled to Tripoli for a 2-4 October visit during which time he met Mahmoud Jibril, prime minister of the NTC.

"During these various meetings the importance of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Libya was affirmed by both sides, " the Vatican said. "The Holy See renewed its support for the Libyan people and for the transition. The Holy See wished the new authorities every success in their rebuilding the country."