Russia on Thursday officially recognised Libya's rebels as the governing authority in the country, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian Federation recognises Libya's National Transitional Council as the ruling authority and notes its reform programme that includes the development of a new constitution, holding general elections and forming the government," it said.

The annoucement came as World leaders were to meet in Paris to plot Libya's post-Kadhafi future.

Thursday's conference in the French capital, which will be attended by delegates from 60 countries, is expected to discuss funding for Libya as well as police training and diplomatic recognition for its new rulers.