22nd April 2011, Male': This follows the Maldives'' decision, on 3 April, to recognise the Transitional National Council (TNC) as the sole legitimate body representing the Libyan people. The Maldives was the third country to recognise the TNC after France and Qatar.
Following the recognition of the TNC, the suspension of diplomatic relations with the pro-Gaddafi regime is based on the continuing deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya, and increasingly clear evidence that the Gaddafi regime is guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
ENDS