France expels Libyan diplomats

France has expelled 14 Libyan diplomats who served the government of Muammar Gaddafi, giving them two days to leave.

The foreign ministry made the announcement on Friday, saying it no longer recognised the group's diplomatic status.

It accused them of "activities incompatible with the relevant UN resolutions ... and contrary to the protection of Libyan civilians".

An unnamed French diplomat told the Reuters news agency that the decision to expel them was taken some time ago, but "there was a process to follow".

"Many of these people were using their status as diplomats as a cover," the said.

France and Britain are pressing to toughen a NATO bombing campaign against troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's long-time leader, as part of a UN-mandated effort to protect Libyan civilians.

France was the first foreign power to formally recognise the interim Transitional National Council (TNC), the Benghazi-based leadership of opposition forces fighting Gaddafi's rule.