"I delivered a formal invitation to the council for the opening of a representation in Washington," Feltman told a press conference, referring to the rebels' National Transitional Council (NTC).

"We are happy they accepted it," he added.

Feltman, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, is in Benghazi for talks with the rebel leadership during a three-day visit.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011