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The European Union's foreign policy chief has opened an EU office in the rebel-held Libyan city of Benghazi.

Catherine Ashton said the rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) represented the aspirations of Libyans and would receive support from the EU.

Her visit is being seen as a boost for the TNC as it seeks recognition.

It came after Nato warplanes carried out further attacks on government targets in Tripoli, including Col Muammar Gaddafi's compound.

Opening the new EU mission in Benghazi, Baroness Ashton said: "We are here for the long term."