Libyan-Italian relations progressively normalizing
Libya-Italy, Politics, 7/10/1998

Italy and Libya signed this Thursday a joint document aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries, it was officially announced here.

The document was initialled by Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini and secretary of the libyan popular committee for relations with abroad and international cooperation, Moustafa El-Muntasser, a statement by the Italian foreign department said.

The document, signed following the meeting last Saturday in Rome of the 4th Italian-Libyan joint commission, is meant to definitively shelve the negative heritage of the past and to give a new dynamic start to relations between the two countries, the statement said, adding that this document, as well as the minutes of the joint commission are part of the normalization process of bilateral relations.

One of the dissensions between Italy and Libya, which was colonized by Italy from 1911 to 1943, was related to the issue of financial compensation for the colonial era.

Dini told Italian "La Republica" daily that the joint document does not provide for compensation, but that the Italian government expresses "all its regrets for the colonial era."

According to Dini, Libya's rapprochement with Italy and with the rest of the international community will help alleviate tension in the Mediterranean, Map reported.

The joint document stipulates the establishment of neighborliness relations, excluding any hostile act between the two countries, which will cooperate mainly in the struggle against terrorism, disarmament and human rights respect in addition to cultural cooperation.

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