American signals to Libya prepare on end of sanctions

American officials expected that the US will dispatch signals to Libya this week that if American concerns for terrorism and mass destruction weapons are satisfied, the USA may lift certain sanctions imposed on Tripoli.

The officials, who asked to be anonymous, added that it is expected that this signal to renew an embargo imposed since 22 years on the travel of American citizens to Libya, would be extended for a period pf one year, but will also include provisions for a review of this decision after every 90 days.

They explained that Washington wants to send a message that Libya's cooperation in ending support to terrorism, and its suspect efforts to posses biological and chemical weapons, might be conducive to ending certain parts of the American sanctions.

One of those persons said that it is expected that Washington will announce the decision to extend the travel embargo for one year starting tomorrow, with a review of the ban after 90 days.

Another US official said that the Bush administration backed away from shortening the embargo to only 90 days, because of the opposition of the families of the Lockerbie victims as well as Congress members.

The American sanctions on Libya includes an embargo on imports of the Libyan oil to the USA imposed since 1982. In 1986 these sanctions were expanded to include an embargo of direct trade and trade contracts and activities relating to travel.