Lantos inspects sites for the American embassy: relations with Libya to be resumed in 2005

Deputy chairman of the "foreign relations committee" in the US Congress, Tom Lantos, said yesterday upon his meeting with the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi in Tripoli that American- Libyan diplomatic that relations will be resumed either in May or June 2005, noting that he had inspected several places to choose a site for building a headquarters for the American embassy in the Libyan capital.

Lantos said he found in al-Qathafi "determination to build good relations with America in the course of the openness Libya had started in December 2003 since its declaration to give up its mass destruction programs." He added he had inspected during his visit several places to choose a site for the building of the headquarters of the American embassy in Tripoli, noting that a site for the Libyan embassy in Washington was specified.

Lantos stressed "that Libya wishes to build a future build on peace and cooperation. And we are happy with the Libyan cooperation to fight terrorism," noting that "Libya has a lot to give in the course of its mission in this regard." On the American- Libyan relations, Lantos said "opening relations with Libya is based on the strong support from the Congress, and therefore whether John Kerry or George Bush had won the elections, the steps and measures with Libya are continuous and are supported by the two political parties and the Congress." Lantos explained that American- Libyan diplomatic relations will be resumed either in May or June 2005.

Lantos explained that the coming phase will witness a remarkable growth to be reflected in the American participation in the economy, culture and trade in Libya and this will please the American tourists and encourage them to visit Libya, thanks to its historical, tourism and desert components." Lantos also met with the Libyan (foreign minister) Abdul Rahman Shalqam and discussed with him means of strengthening bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and means of supporting them in all fields.