Libyan rebel leader Mahmud Jibril will visit the White House tomorrow for talks with National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, during his first official visit to Washington, the White House said.

The visit comes as the Obama administration gradually steps up contacts with the opposition to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi after seeking to better understand the movement before deciding on the extent of US assistance.

"National Security Advisor Tom Donilon looks forward to welcoming Dr. Mahmud Jibril and the delegation from the Libyan Transitional National Council to the White House on Friday afternoon," the White House said.

"This is Dr Jibril's first official visit to Washington as President of the Transitional National Council's Executive Bureau," the statement said.

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