LONDON: Britain hailed United Nations moves Friday to support Libya's former rebel government, saying it showed the international community's determination to support a “free future” for the country.

The UN eased sanctions against Libya and gave the North African state's seat to the forces which toppled Moamer Qadhafi and are still battling his troops.

“I strongly welcome the UN Security Council's unanimous adoption of Resolution 2009 and the UN general assembly's vote to allow the National Transitional Council (NTC) to take Libya's seat at the UN,” British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement.

“Both these votes make clear the international community's determination to support the new Libyan authorities, and the Libyan people, as they make progress in re-establishing stability and embrace a free future - progress which the Prime Minister (David Cameron) and I saw for ourselves earlier this week on the streets of Tripoli and Benghazi.

“This historic resolution mandates a UN mission to support them in those efforts, including preparing for elections and protecting human rights,” Hague added.

He stressed that the unfreezing of assets, leading to the progressive release of around #12 billion (dollar 18.9 billion, 13.7 billion euros) from the UK, will help Libya in building a more prosperous and stable future.

“As the NTC has called for, the resolution maintains the no-fly zone and action to protect civilians, which will remain in place as long as they are considered necessary.

“Today's votes show the international community's recognition of and confidence in the new Libyan authorities. We will continue to work with them closely as they build a better future for Libya.”

Britain and France have been at the forefront of the Nato aerial campaign to enforce a UN resolution demanding an end to attacks on civilians.