French President Nicoals Sarkozy promised on Wednesday to intensify raids against pro-Gaddafi forces to back rebels and protect civilians mainly in Misrata, in west Libya.

In an meeting with Moustapha Adeljalil, the head of the Libyan Council of National Transition (CNT) in Elysee Palace, Sarkosy promised "an intensification of international air strikes against Muammar Gaddafi forces," Europe 1 radio channel said.

Adeljalil told local media after the meeting that Sarkozy promised to increase support to them and he has invited Sarkozy to visit Benghazi.

Francois Baroin, spokseman of the French government, said earlier in the day that "a very small number of liaison officers" will be sent to the CNT in order to organize and secure Libyans safety.