Benghazi -- Libyan rebels have sent a request for weapons they need to countries that have recognized their national council as the sole representative of Libya, a spokesman said on Tuesday. "We have submitted a list of military and technical equipment we need," Abdel Hafiz Ghoga, official spokesman for the council, told reporters in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi. Asked which countries the rebels were asking for weapons, Ghoga said: "Obviously we've been asking the countries that have already recognized the national transitional council as the sole representative for Libya." France, Qatar and Italy have recognized the rebels controlling the east of the country, whose military campaign against Muammar Qadhafi's forces has reached stalemate despite air strikes against Qadhafi's weaponry by NATO warplanes. France led calls for military intervention in Libya after the popular uprising in the east turned into a war when rebels grabbed weapons abandoned by fleeing Qadhafi loyalists. They quickly overpowered government forces in the east, but Qadhafi fighters armed with more powerful, longer-range artillery beat back the rebels as they attempted to advance through the central coastal region toward Tripoli. Ghoga said the rebels had boosted security at oil fields they control after attacks by forces loyal to Qadhafi forced them to halt production. He did not give details. Qadhafi forces are still occupying parts of the oil port of Brega, Ghoga said. Rebels have fought a seesaw battle over the town but failed to dislodge government loyalists.
