Gambia expels Libyan Ambassador, recognizes 'Benghazi' rebels
It declared its support for the Benghazi-based rebel council fighting to unseat Gaddhafi.
The government also says that it was freezing all assets held in Gambia by Gadhafi's government.
The assets, according to the state, include two five-star hotels and an amusement park.
Until recent years, Gambia was one of Libya’s close allies in West Africa.
The relationship started in 1994 when incumbent president, Yahya Jammeh came to power in a military coup.
Streets and other places in Banjul were named after Gaddhafi, in recognition of his contribution to Gambia’s economy. The government also adopted Gaddhafi’s Green Revolution and the embattled Libyan leader as adviser and mentor.
On many occasions, Jammeh referred to Gaddhafi as a ‘brother’.
Below is the full text of the Gambian government's statement:
“The Government of The Republic of The Gambia hereby informs the general public of its recognition in full, of the Transitional National Council of Libya as the only legitimate body that represents the interest and affairs of the people of Libya.
Consequently, The Government of The Gambia is with immediate effect, freezing and closing all the assets held in The Gambia by, on behalf of, or in the name of the Government of Colonel Muammar Ghadaffi. They include notably the LAICO Hotel (formerly called Atlantic Hotel), Jerma Hotel, and the Dream Park.
In light of this development, all staff of the Libyan Embassy representing the Ghadaffi Government in The Gambia are hereby duly notified to leave The Gambia within 72 hours with effect from Friday 22nd Instant.
This move is taken on account of the heinous atrocities that are being carried out by the Ghadaffi regime against innocent citizens, and which have seen to date, massive loss of life and wanton destruction of property in Libya.
It also follows from the Government's expressed position that was publicly conveyed at the start of the conflict in Libya, calling on Colonel Ghadaffi to step down as the only solution to ending the unrest, and bringing peace, tranquility, and stability in Libya.”
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