Libya's TNC courting Washington

WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- Washington is reviewing a request from the Libyan Transitional National Council to open an embassy in the United States, the U.S. State Department said.

London this week summoned Libyan representatives of Moammar Gadhafi to inform them the TNC was recognized as the sole governmental authority in Tripoli.

Members of the NATO intervention in Libya at a recent meeting in Istanbul recognized the legitimacy of the TNC. London said it was working with the TNC to assign diplomats in the country to take the place of Gadhafi's.

Mark Toner, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, said TNC officials have asked to set up a presence in Washington.

"We did yesterday receive an official request from the Transitional National Council regarding the reopening of the Libyan Embassy here in Washington and we're reviewing that request," he said.

NATO forces in March began air raids over Libya to protects civilians from forces loyal to Gadhafi. Gadhafi is wanted for war crimes against civilians allegedly committed since February.

Canadian Air Force Col. Roland Lavoie, the spokesman for NATO's Operation Unified Protector, described the situation on the ground is very dynamic.

"The scene is very volatile, resulting in a dangerous situation for the civilian population," he said during a recent briefing.