Gaddafi refuses to deliver suspects immediately, asks for guarantees
Libya, Politics, 8/31/1998

Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi refused the US - British calls for the immediate delivery of the Libyan suspects in the Lockerbie bombing to the courts in the Netherlands.

Gaddafi told Libyan television that Libya will not deliver them without receiving guarantees.

The Libyan Foreign Ministry said in a harsh comment on the Security Council resolution that supported the plan of the U.S. and Britain that the Libyan government is not committed to the agreement between Britain and America.

A Libyan official told ArabicNews.com, "The Libyan conditions are not crippling" to the two countries concerned with the crisis, but they are "guarantees demanded by Libya for its citizens."

Libya requested sufficient time for legal consultations, fearing that an agreement takes place between the two countries and the Netherlands in addition to seeking a guarantee of appeal in case the suspects are convicted.

Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdul Meguid confirmed today that the Arab states adhere to the the Arab position adopted on the Libyan sanctions and its effectiveness that led to this point, saying the Arabs will not reject the US-UK position as long as all guarantees for a fair trial for the suspects is achieved. Abdul Meguid stressed that the sense of urgency is misplaced and "The immediate delivery of the suspects is illogical especially since the crisis has existed for six years."

Previous Stories:
  Libya asks Security Council to delay action on Lockerbie suspects resolution   (8/27/1998)
  Arab League upbeat over US-Britain approval to try Libyans in Hague   (8/25/1998)
  Arab League chief backs Libya, assassination plan reported   (8/5/1998)

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