Qathafi asked the US to withdraw from Iraq, Schroeder commends Libya's openness policy
Libya-Germany, Politics, 10/16/2004

During his first visit to Tripoli yesterday, the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder met with the Libyan leader Muammar Qathafi, commended the "Libyan openness policy" and the recent changes made by Tripoli on its foreign policy and invited al-Qathafi to visit Berlin.

Schroeder and Qathafi discussed issues relating to the international policy and bilateral and economic relations, in particular, as well as other related issues. Qathafi described the visit as "very important" and indicated that relations between Tripoli and the west, especially the US, are greatly improving. He, however, called on Washington to withdraw from Iraq.

This is the first visit to be carried out by a German Chancellor to Libya. It was made after al-Qathafi establishment signed by the beginning of September an agreement to pay compensations to the victims of the attack against "La belle" night cub in Berlin which was attributed lately by Germany to the Libyan intelligence.

In a Bedouin tent installed near the presidential headquarters, both Schroeder and Qathafi discussed issues pertaining to international policy and international relations before a dinner banquet was served in honor of the German Chancellor.

Schroeder said we commend the "constructive contribution given by the Libyan policy of openness," considering that the change Qathafi made on his foreign policy is "worthy of attention." He added that the Libyan behavior deserves all support. He added "this country has changed politically.. and we can welcome that." However, he indicated certain differences that are still pending the same as their views towards the US, for instance.

The two leaders held a second meeting in the afternoon, after which Qathafi described Schroeder's visit as a visit of friendship and a very "important visit." He indicated that relations between Tripoli and the west are improving increasingly. He said he finds an activity in these relations especially with the USA. He stressed that "Libya is always in the position of confronting and fighting terrorism." But he criticized the American war against Iraq and said that Washington has to withdraw its forces quickly from Iraq, adding that such a withdrawal will be the best thing for Iraq and the USA.

Schroeder inaugurated near Jakhra in the Libyan desert a center for oil exploration for the German Wintershal company. Head of the company said it has invested more than $ 1.2 billion in Libya and will invest $ 400 million by the end of 2006. Schroeder who was accompanied by the Libyan prime minister Shukri Ghanem together with 25 representatives for major German companies recalled his country's interest to "secure its sources of energy." He indicated that the main objective of his visit is economic, adding that the tremendous resources for Libya is that of importance for the Libyan industry.

Meantime, a Libyan official source announced that the secretary of the Libyan official committee ( foreign minister) Abdul Rahman Shalqam received in Tripoli yesterday the British Minister of State for the Middle East affairs in the British foreign ministry Baronet Simons who handed him a message from the British prime minister Tony Blaire to Qathafi.

Previous Stories:
  German chancellor in Libya   (10/15/2004)
  First meeting of its kind since 35 years; Powell asks Shalqam of explanation over assassination attempt of crown prince Abdullah   (9/25/2004)
  A historical meeting between the Libyan foreign minister and his American peer   (9/24/2004)
  American energy secretary considers visiting Tripoli   (9/22/2004)
  Agreement by Libya to compensate victims of Berlin explosion   (9/4/2004)
  Schroeder will visit Libya after compensations for the victims of Berlin explosion   (8/11/2004)

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