Qathafi commends the improvement of relations with the US, considering it as victory
Libya-USA, Politics, 3/3/2004

The Libyan leader, Col. Muammar al- Qathafi, on Tuesday said the improvement of relations between Libya and the US after Libya had approved the elimination of the weapons of mass destruction constitutes a large victory.

A meeting included senior Libyan executive directors and senior members in the people's general congress broadcast by the Libyan radio on air, Qathafi said that this is a great victory that the two countries have reconciled.

He added that no body imposed isolation on Libya in the past and that the Libyans were the one who chose to isolate themselves from the west in support of causes of freedoms for other peoples like the peoples of the black South Africa and Palestine. Qathafi said while giving the first open explanation for changing his policy that the world position has changed now. He added "As far as these peoples including the Palestinians have reconciled with the west which Libya had faced in support of them, Libya has found itself in an odd and silly position.. So that Libya has moved to correct this position and to reconcile with the west."

He added that Libya will continue to play a pioneer role in building peace in the world the same as it carried out a pioneer role in liberation and peoples rights in the past.

On December 19, 2003, the Libyan leader announced that Libya will give up any effort to own nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and that it will permit the American inspectors to inspect all weapons sites and removal of sensitive equipment.

In February, the US announced it will permit the American oil companies which used to be banned in Libya since 10 years to start negotiations over returning back and lifting restrictions that ban the Americans from visiting Libya.

Each of the two countries will return back the diplomatic mission of the other very soon.

The US under secretary of state for the near east affairs William Burns said yesterday in Washington he is planning to meet with Libyan officials this month. He indicated that Libya "has achieved an "important progress" to meet its obligations concerning the weapons." However, many of the American sanctions are still valid including banning the Libyan crude oil imports to the US since 1982.

Previous Stories:
  African federation summit: al-Qathafi calls Washington to give up the mentality of the colonialist   (2/28/2004)
  Washington accepts Libya's retraction; lifts travel embargo, permits return of companies   (2/27/2004)
  Tripoli defuses the crises with London and Washington: renewed recognition of responsibility over Lockerbie   (2/26/2004)

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