February 12, 2004

U.S. Weighs Lifting Libya Sanctions, No Deadline

From Yahoo/AP comes this story of the next step in normalizing relations with our new friend Libya: bq. The United States is considering lifting sanctions on Libya but the timing will depend on how fast Tripoli dismantles its arms programs, Undersecretary of State John Bolton said on Thursday. bq. "The precise way in which the various applicable American restrictions on dealings with Libya will be removed is a subject we've been considering internally. We've discussed it with the Libyans and I think you'll see it unfolding," Bolton said. bq. But he told journalists in Berlin: "There's no deadline or timetable that we're operating under." bq. In a dramatic move to shed its rogue state image, Libya announced in December it was renouncing weapons of mass destruction and would cooperate with the West in dismantling its programs. bq. In an indication of fast-improving ties, the United States confirmed on Tuesday it had re-established a diplomatic presence in Tripoli and Libyan diplomats would set up in Washington soon. This is very cool because we are showing the other nations that we play fair and that there are major advantages to bringing terrorism to a halt. You can bet that a number of other countries are watching this little ballet. Government and citizens alike. Posted by DaveH at February 12, 2004 10:49 AM