France has become the first country to formally recognise the Libyan opposition National Council, saying it is the only legitimate representative of the Libyan people. The move was confirmed in a statement following talks in Paris between the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, and two delegates from the Council. Meanwhile, it has emerged that a member of Col. Gaddafi's inner circle arrived in Cairo late on Wednesday. The purpose of the visit is not clear. The International Committee of the Red Cross has complained that it still is not having access to those areas of Libya that have seen the heaviest fighting. It said a major part of the country remains in effect cut off from humanitarian aid.