Libya gets a chance to be heard about the sanctions tomorrow
Libya, International, 3/19/1998

Based on the recommendations of several countries, including the Organization for Islamic Conference and the Non-aligned Movement countries, and the February 27 judgment by the International Court of Justice [ICJ] on "Lockerbie", tomorrow morning the UN Security Council will consider all aspects relating to the Lockerbie issue and the sanctions associated with it, which Libya is seeking to remove.

At the UN meeting, about 40 representatives of different countries including the Libyan foreign minister Omar al-Mountasir are expected to express their views on the matter, with many calling for the sanctions to be lifted immediately, and for the ICJ to handle the case that is before it and for all to respect any conclusions the ICJ may reach.

This is in contrast to the position taken by the US and Britain, which are opposed to the lifting of the sanctions and want the two Libyans who are suspected of involvement in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing to be extradited for trial.

The US and Britain, having veto power in the UN Security Council have stated that they will not allow any removal of the sanctions and are likely to use their position to veto any vote in the Security Council which would remove the sanctions. They will argue, as some of their preliminary statements say, that the International Court's judgment only addresses one aspect of the Lockerbie case and that the court does not have the authority to try criminal cases.

Sources close to the Libyan government told ArabicNews.com

Previous Stories:
  Arab states get serious about removing Lybian sanctions   (3/14/1998)
  Annan and Meguid to discuss Iraq and Lybia   (3/10/1998)
  UN schedules Libya debate, maintains sanctions for now   (3/7/1998)

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