U.S. to assign envoy to Libyan rebels

President Barack Obama announced Friday he will appoint a special representative to Libya's rebels, in a move that signals the United States is moving towards de facto recognition of the opposition forces.

"We have determined that it's appropriate for us to assign a representative whose specific job is to interact with the opposition and determine ways that we can further help them," Obama said. "And so we're going to be in close consultation with them."

France was the first major nation to recognize the rebels' national council as the country's "legitimate representative."

France has sent an ambassador to Benghazi, the birthplace of the rebel movement, and will receive a Libyan envoy in Paris, Haaretz reports.

Muammar Gaddafi's regime responded to France's move Friday by suspending diplomatic relations.

Obama made the envoy announcement at a press conference Friday, during which he also said the international community was "tightening the noose" on Gaddafi, Libya's defiant leader who has ruled for four decades.

The United States and some Western countries have expressed hesitation over enacting a no-fly zone that could pull their countries into a civil war.

“I have not taken any options off the table,” Obama said. But “when it comes to U.S. military action, whether it’s a no-fly zone or other options, you’ve got to balance costs versus benefits, and I don’t take those decisions lightly.”

Meanwhile, GlobalPost correspondent Nichole Sobecki reports that rebel lines appeared to crumble near the strategic oil refinery of Ras Lanuf as forces loyal to Gaddafi pressed east using air strikes, tanks and artillery fire.

Continue reading from GlobalPost: Gaddafi forces continue push as rebel ranks grow smaller.

— Hanna Ingber Win