Jordan is establishing diplomatic ties with the Libyan rebels' National Transitional Council.

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh says he is dispatching a veteran diplomat to be based in Libya's eastern coastal city of Benghazi to liaise with the council.

Jordan last week recognised the council as the “legitimate representative and the credible interlocutor for the Libyan people.”

Several countries, including France and Italy, have officially recognised the Libyan rebels. The United States, Britain and others have not done so but have established a diplomatic presence in Benghazi.

Judeh said on Wednesday that Fawaz al-Eitan will take up his post in Benghazi in the “next couple of days.” He says al-Eitan will be a “resident envoy and a permanent representative.”