Libya's NTC recognized by U.N. General Assembly

UN General Assembly voted to recognize Libyas National Transitional Council (NTC) as the ruling body of Libya.The U.N. General Assembly on Friday approved a Libyan request to accredit envoys of the countrys interim government as Tripolis sole representatives at the world body, effectively recognizing the National Transitional Council (NTC).The 193-nation assembly approved the request with 114 votes in favor, 17 against and 15 abstentions. U.N. officials have said that Libyan U.N. Ambassador Abdurrahman Shalgham is expected to retain the post as Tripolis top diplomat at the United Nations.The defection of Shalghams deputy, Ibrahim Dabbashi, to the rebels in February 2011 inspired dozens of Libyan diplomats worldwide to denounce Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafis bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. Several Latin American countries sharply criticized the decision to recognize delegates of the new Libyan government.Venezuelas UN Ambassador Jorge Valero told the General Assembly his country rejected the illegitimate transitory authority imposed by foreign intervention and any attempt to transform Libya into a protectorate of NATO or the Security Council.Valero also blamed NATO and the Security Council for failing to push for a ceasefire rather than a victory of the rebels over Gaddafi, some of whose forces continue to oppose the fighters of the new government in isolated areas around the oil-producing OPEC member.Delegates from Cuba, Bolivia and Nicaragua echoed Valeros remarks. Angola, speaking on behalf of southern African countries, called for a delay of the vote to accredit Libya, but that motion was heavily defeated.Speaking in support of the NTC, Egyptian ambassador Maged A. Abdelaziz described the vote as a moment of truth for the country, adding that The will of the Libyan people have to be respected.Separately, the UN Security Council is expected to approve a resolution later on Friday that would ease some of the sanctions imposed on Libya.