Paris (ANTARA News/AFP) - France reopened its embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli on Monday after it had been closed for the last six months as rebels fought to overthrow Moamer Kadhafi, a foreign ministry spokesman said.

"Our embassy in Tripoli reopened today," Bernard Valero said, adding that France`s envoy in the eastern city Benghazi, Antoine Sivan, would head to the capital as soon as the rebels` "highest authorities" arrived there.

A diplomatic team led by Sivan`s deputy arrived in Tripoli on Monday and set up in France`s embassy building there, Valero told reporters.

The rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) is in the process of moving its fledgling government to the capital from its previous base in Benghazi.

France was the first power to recognise the NTC as Libya`s government and President Nicolas Sarkozy has mobilised international military and diplomatic support for the revolution against the 42-year-old regime.

Paris closed its embassy in Tripoli on February 26 and evacuated its staff amid fears that they would not be safe in a city then under the control of pro-Kadhafi forces. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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