Tunisian president calls for lifting sanctions against Libya

Visiting Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali called on Monday for lifting the crippling sanctions imposed on Libya since 1992.

Speaking to reporters in Tripoli where he was on a one-day visit at the invitation of Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi, Bin Ali expressed Tunisia's solidarity with Libya's efforts to have the sanctions lifted.

Libya has been facing since 1992 U.N. sanctions for its refusal to hand over two nationals accused of masterminding the 1988 bombing of a Pan-Am airplane over the Scottish town of Lockerbie.

He said the visit was an opportunity to exchange viewpoints with Libyan officials.