Gambia Recognises Libya Rebel Council

A statement from the presidency read on state broadcasting media also said Banjul was "freezing and closing all the assets in Gambia held on behalf or in the name of" Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi.

These assets include a multi-million dollar five-star hotel, the Jerma Beach, the Laico Atlantic Hotel in the capital, Banjul, said to be worth $18 million, and Dream Park, a children's amusement park, it said.

"This move is taken on account of the heinous atrocities that are being carried out by the Kadhafi regime against innocent citizens and which have seen to date massive loss of life and wanton destruction of properties in Libya," the statement said.

Gambia "is ordering all staff of the Libyan embassy in Banjul representing the Kadhafi government to leave the country within 72 hours." Diplomatic sources said they numbered 20 people, though ambassador Ali Mohammed al-Hissnawe was currently undergoing medical treatment in London.

The statement noted that from the start of the conflict in Libya two months ago Banjul had called on Kadhafi to step down "as the only solution to ending the unrest and bringing peace and tranquility and stability in Libya."