MOSCOW - Russia recognised the National Transitional Council (NTC) as Libya's legitimate authorities on Thursday, moving to increase its influence in postwar reconstruction and protect its economic interests in the oil-producing North African nation.

"The Russian Federation recognises the National Transitional Council as the current authorities and takes note of its declared reform programme, which calls for the development of a new constitution, the holding of general elections and the formation of a government," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.