The government of The Gambia has announced its recognition of The Transitional National Council of Libya as the only legitimate body that represents the interest and affairs of the people of Libya.

In a statement issued last Friday signed by the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Office of the President, the Gambia government also froze and closed all the assets held in The Gambia by, on behalf of, or in the name of the government of Colonel Muammar Ghadaffi with immediate effect.

The full text of the statement reads:

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.