Spain removes ambassador from Libya

In a move that represents a further step in Spain's distancing from the Gaddafi regime, and the subsequent tightening of its diplomatic relations with the rebel forces in Benghazi, the government informed the Libyan regime on Saturday of the removal of its top diplomatic representative in the country.

The withdrawal of the Spanish ambassador in Libya, Luis García Cerezo, took place on May 20, the same day that Spanish photojournalist Manu Brabo landed in Madrid after 43 days in captivity in the hands of Gaddafi forces. According to diplomatic sources, the decision to cut off relations with the Gaddafi government had been postponed to avoid placing Brabo's release in jeopardy.

The only remaining Spanish diplomat in Libya now is José Riera, special envoy to the National Transitional Council (NTC), the rebel government in Benghazi. Spain's Foreign Ministry is confident that NTC will eventually govern in Tripoli, which will make Riera Spain's next ambassador in the country.