Libya Calling
The recent signing in Tripoli of “a comprehensive claims settlement” marks a new beginning not only in US-Libya relations, but between Libya and the rest of the world. But, while drawing Libya deeper into international discourse is the right strategic decision for the US and the EU, the West should underestimate Libyan diplomacy, shrewdness, and negotiating skills.
https://prosyn.org/93YlB5C
VALLETTA, MALTA – The recent signing in Tripoli of “a comprehensive claims settlement” between the United States and Libya marks a new beginning not only in US-Libya relations, but between Libya and the rest of the world. The agreement provides a process for compensating the victims of attacks ranging from the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, to the US air strikes on Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986. It thus removes a final hurdle to Libya establishing normal diplomatic and economic relations with the West and opens the way for US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Tripoli this week.