Gadhafi: Recognition of rebels 'worthless'

TRIPOLI, Libya, July 16 (UPI) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, in a speech broadcast on state TV, told his supporters the international recognition of the rebels is "worthless."

An audio broadcast was transmitted Friday night after the Libyan Contact Group at a meeting in Turkey said the rebels are the country's legitimate government, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who attended the Istanbul meeting, said the United States joined in the move.

"Trample on those recognitions, trample on them under your feet. They are worthless," Gadhafi said. "Their decisions, their recognition, they are all now under your feet. Stomp on them."

Britain announced Friday it is increasing its military support for the rebels. Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said four additional RAF Tornados equipped for aerial reconnaissance were being dispatched.

Twelve British aircraft were already participating in the NATO military effort to support the rebels.