Blair and al-Qathafi agree in Tripoli on fighting al-Qaida
Libya-UK, Politics, 3/26/2004

The British prime minister Tony Blair announced that the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi considers that confronting al-Qaida organization is a common issue between the two countries. In a press conference held following his meeting with al-Qathafi in Tripoli, Blair said that what is called terrorism threatens the Arabs and the west, alike.

On the other hand, the Libyan (foreign minister) Abdul Rahman Shalqam described al-Qaida organization as a real bulwark before the change and progress in the region. This was in statements to the press accompanying the British prime minister.

Blair considered that reconciliation between London and Tripoli as constituting an important landmark to the Arab world and it was found out it is able to work with the US and Britain in order to fight what he had called terrorism.

He added that his country is in the process of building new partnership with Libya covering cooperation in the fields of education and the economy, noting that he had discussed with al-Qathafi also selling British defense systems to Libya, stressing that the British BEA SYSTEMS for defense instruments will shortly sign a deal with Libya.

Despite all of that, Blair indicated that laying better foundations for relations with Libya will take some time.

He also commended Libya's cooperation with the American and British experts and the International Agency for Atomic energy in disclosing the mass destruction weapons. He added that Libya's getting rid off of these weapons is considered "great gain and will enable Tripoli playing an important role in the region."

The British prime minister stressed that what he described as the pains of the past should be put aside if there are countries that are ready for cooperation over what he had called fighting terrorism and disarmament, noting in this context also to Libya's commitment to pay compensations for the families of Lockerbie victims.

Previous Stories:
  Blair, al-Qathafi discuss normalization   (3/25/2004)
  London: Venue of meeting between al-Qathafi and Blair is undecided   (2/12/2004)
  Blair intends to visit Tripoli, Shalqam in London; Washington restores back its diplomatic presence in Libya   (2/11/2004)

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