US says Libya fully provided for under sanctions

The US yesterday criticized an Arab League vote to allow Libyan aircraft to land in Arab territory in certian situations, despite UN sanctions. Voice of America quoted US State Department spokesman James Rubin as saying that the UN measures allow exceptions when necessary. "THE SANCTIONS PROVIDE FOR LEGITIMATE HUMANITARIAN FLIGHTS TO LIBYA. LIBYA HAS FULLY ADEQUATE MEANS TO MEET ITS NEEDS," Rubin said.

The US government focuses on suspected Libyan involvement in terrorism, specifically because of Libya's continuing refusal to extradite two suspects in the 1988 bombing of a Pan-Am jet over Lockerbie, Scotland.

The Arab League vote called for Arab countries to allow Lybian planes carrying officials or on humanitarian or religious missions to land in their territories.