American delegation arrives in Libya to assess its support for terrorism

An American delegation composed of the US under secretary of state for the Middle East affairs William Burns and coordinator of terrorism fighting at the state department Kofer Black arrived in Libya on Sunday in a two day visit in order to assess whether Tripoli is still sponsoring terrorism.

The visit of the American officials come following allegations issued by the beginning of June saying that the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi ordered the assassination of the Saudi crown prince. But Tripoli denied these allegations strongly.

American sources said that Burns and Black -- who will be meeting with the Libyan leader -- will discuss these allegations and in the American fears on the support that Libyan is still giving to groups described by Washington as terrorists, in the course of the efforts made by Libya to lift its name from the American terrorism -sponsoring list.

Relations between Washington and Tripoli were greatly improved following the Libyan decision on December 19, 2003 to give up the attempt to own mass destruction weapons.

The US alleviated its trade embargo imposed on Libya since April 23 by permitting the American company to buy its oil and invest in its economy for the first time since 1986.

According to the American law, no country's name can be lifted from the terrorism list unless Washington testify that this country does not support terrorism for a 6 month period of time.