LIBYA US Report On The
Middle EastU.S. resumes diplomatic relations with Libya -- Secretary Rice
Monday, 15 May 2006
For the first time in more than 30 years, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has announced that the United States intends to upgrade its diplomatic presence in Tripoli, Libya from a liaison office to an embassy headed by a U.S. ambassador. On a reciprocal basis, Libya has been invited to upgrade its own liaison office in Washington, D.C. to an embassy and to appoint an Ambassador.
The United States withdrew its last Ambassador to Libya in 1972, and all remaining U.S. government personnel and the embassy was shut down after a mob attacked and set fire to the U.S. Embassy on 2 December 1979.ConocoPhillips, Marathon and Amerada Hess return to Libya; and contribute $2 billion
Thursday, 29 December 2005
ConocoPhillips has announced today that, in conjunction with its co-venturers Marathon and Amerada Hess, it has reached agreement with the Libyan National Oil Corporation on the terms under which it will return to its former oil and gas production operations in Libya.
Under the agreement, the Texan companies as well as the New Yorker company respectively, will return to their former exploration and production interests in the Waha concessions in Libya. ConocoPhillips and Marathon each will hold a 16.33 percent interest; Amerada Hess will hold an 8.16 percent interest; and the Libyan National Oil Corporation will hold the remaining 59.16 percent interest. The concessions currently produce approximately 350,000 barrels of oil per day; encompass nearly 13 million acres located in the Sirte Basin; one of the most prolific oil and gas producing areas of Libya; and contain sizable undeveloped oil and gas resources.
The fiscal terms of the agreement will be similar to the terms in effect at the time of the suspension of the co-venturers’ activities in 1986. The reentry terms include a 25-year extension of the concessions to 2031-34; a payment to the Libyan National Oil Corporation of $1.3 billion for reentry and the extension of the concessions; and a contribution to unamortized investments made since 1986 of $530 million that were agreed to be paid as part of the 1986 standstill agreement to hold the assets in escrow for the U.S-based oil companies.PHR/IFHHRO call upon the Libyan government to release Fathi el-Jahmi
Thursday, 24 March 2005
Physicians for Human Rights and the International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organizations (PHR/IFHHRO) call upon the Libyan government to release Mr. Fathi el-Jahmi on humanitarian grounds. Since March 2004, Mr. el-Jahmi is held in protracted detention in a secret location with virtually no communication with the outside world.
PHR/IFHHRO sent Dutch physician Dr. Joost Jan Den Otter to Libya where he found that the combination of Mr. el-Jahmi’s isolated confinement and his sporadic and inadequate medical treatment constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. While in his most recent detention, Libyan authorities have not charged or tried Mr. el-Jahmi for his alleged crimes but, subjected him to near weekly interrogations without an attorney during secret hearings.
“I am struggling for human rights, for democracy, and for this country,” said Mr. el-Jahmi to Dr. Den Otter who interviewed and physically examined him during 19-20 February.
Dr. Den Otter’s assessment confirms that Mr. el-Jahmi requires immediate medical attention to better evaluate and treat his life-threatening conditions. His findings show that Mr. el-Jahmi is suffering from several chronic and mutually adverse conditions (diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease). In combination, these diseases could provide a lethal scenario that even the most advanced and well-equipped hospital could have difficulty treating.Libya's current account surplus is estimated at 26 percent of GDP, official reserves at $25 billion -- IMF
Tuesday, 8 March 2005
In 2004, economic and financial conditions continued to be favorable, concluded Article IV Consultation with Libya. Real GDP growth is estimated at about 4.5 percent, reflecting a deceleration in growth of oil production to 7.5 percent, and a real non-oil GDP growth rate of about 3 percent. For the year as a whole, the authorities expected a deflation rate of about 1 percent.
The overall fiscal surplus is estimated to have reached about 19 percent of GDP, with oil revenue estimated at 52.4 percent of GDP. However, non-oil revenue is estimated to have declined by about 1 percentage point to 7 percent of GDP, partly owing to reduced tax revenue in connection with the new tax law provisions.
Broad money is estimated to have increased by about 8.5 percent in 2004. Given the sustained improvement in the fiscal accounts, the government continued to be a net lender to the banking sector. On the external front, the current account surplus is estimated to have reached about 26 percent of GDP, while official reserves are estimated at $25 billion, equivalent to about 27 months of projected 2005 imports.
In 2003, real GDP grew by an estimated 9 percent, reflecting a 28 percent rise in oil production and a modest 2.2 percent increase in nonhydrocarbon activities. Deflation, as measured by the official Consumer Price Index, decelerated to 2.1 percent from 9.9 percent in 2002. The adorable developments in the oil market contributed to a significant improvement in the external current account surplus, which reached 15.4 percent of GDP. Gross international reserves increased to about $19 billion, equivalent to 22 months of 2004 imports.
The fiscal stance continued to be expansionary, with a non-oil fiscal deficit widening to 36 percent of GDP. However, reflecting higher hydrocarbon revenues, the overall consolidated surplus remained stable at about 10.5 percent of GDP. Non-oil revenue declined by 3 percentage points of GDP as a result of widespread tax evasion and low efficiency in tax collection. While capital expenditures were compressed to make room for the payment of one installment ($1.1 billion) of the Lockerbie settlement, current expenditure, excluding the Lockerbie payment, remained high at 30 percent of GDP.
Broad money increased by 9.4 percent. As a result of the improved fiscal situation, net banks' claims on the government declined sharply, whereas credit to the economy increased by about 13 percent of beginning-of-the-year money stock, reflecting mainly credit to public enterprises. Reform measures in the money and banking area included a further strengthening of banking supervision. Also, the authorities have lowered interest rates across the board in an effort to encourage private sector demand for credit, and developed a strategy to modernize the payment system.The U.S. invites Libya to establish an Interests Section in Washington to facilitate elimination of WMD, develop diplomatic relations
Thursday, 26 February 2004
"The United States invites Libya to establish an Interests Section in Washington," declared White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, "to facilitate our cooperation in the elimination of WMD and to lay the foundation for more extensive diplomatic relations in the future."
In a statement released today, the Spokesman said, the Administration commits to increasing contacts between Libyan and American societies and exploring cooperation in humanitarian projects. On February 28, a delegation of U.S. medical specialists from the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Agency for International Development will arrive in Tripoli for consultations on health care delivery and disease prevention. We have invited Libya to send an official delegation to the U.S. for discussions on future educational opportunities for Libyan students here in the U.S.
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell has rescinded the restriction on the use of American passports for travel to Libya, added the Spokesman. The Treasury Department will issue today a general license for all travel-related expenditures in Libya. What this means in practical terms is that American citizens, for the first time in 23 years, will be able to travel to Libya, including for tourism, academic research, and family visits.
The Spokesman noted, U.S. companies with pre-sanctions holdings in Libya will be authorized as of today to negotiate the terms of their re-entry into operations in Libya, subject to the requirement of a further U.S. approval for implementation of any agreements if sanctions have not otherwise been lifted.President Bush promises Libya's good faith will be returned as its leader el-Qathafi commits to abandon WMD
Friday, 19 December 2003
"Today in Tripoli, the leader of Libya, Colonel Muammar el-Qathafi, publicly confirmed his commitment to disclose and dismantle all weapons of mass destruction programs in his country," declared President George W. Bush. "He has agreed immediately and unconditionally to allow inspectors from international organizations to enter Libya. These inspectors will render an accounting of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs and will help oversee their elimination. Colonel el-Qathafi's commitment, once it is fulfilled, will make our country more safe and the world more peaceful."
President Bush said: talks leading to this announcement began about nine months ago, when (UK) Prime Minister Tony Blair and I were contacted through personal envoys by Colonel el-Qathafi. He communicated to us his willingness to make a decisive change in the policy of his government. At the direction of Colonel el-Qathafi, himself, Libyan officials have provided American and British officers with documentation on that country's chemical, biological, nuclear and ballistic missile programs and activities. Our experts in these fields have met directly with Libyan officials to learn additional details.
The President added leaders who abandon the pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and the means to deliver them, will find an open path to better relations with the United States and other free nations. With today's announcement by its leader, Libya has begun the process of rejoining the community of nations ... Libya should carry out the commitments announced today. Libya should also fully engage in the war against terror. Its government, in response to the United Nations Security Council Lockerbie demands, has already renounced all acts of terrorism and pledged cooperation in the international fight against terrorism.
The President noted as the Libyan government takes these essential steps and demonstrates its seriousness, its good faith will be returned. Libya can regain a secure and respected place among the nations, and over time, achieve far better relations with the United States. The Libyan people are heirs to an ancient and respected culture, and their country lies at the center of a vital region. As Libya becomes a more peaceful nation, it can be a source of stability in Africa and the Middle East.
The President pointed out should Libya pursue internal reform, America will be ready to help its people to build a more free and prosperous country. Great Britain shares this commitment.
The President underscored when leaders make the wise and responsible choice, when they renounce terror and weapons of mass destruction, as Colonel el-Qathafi has now done, they serve the interest of their own people and they add to the security of all nations.Libya completes transfer of $2.7 billion for the families of the Pan Am 103 victims -- State
Monday, 25 August 2003
"Indeed, we learned Friday," said State Department Spokesman Philip T. Reeker, "We were notified by the lawyers for the families of the Pan Am 103 victims, that Libya had completed transfer of the $2.7 billion, and that money is now in an escrow account at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel."
The Spokesman added, "So now that that has taken place, the Council should be addressing the issue of the UN sanctions, and the consultations, I believe, are in process on that."
The Spokesman noted, "The Council's consideration of lifting the Libya sanctions should be based solely on Libya meeting the requirements of the UN Security Council resolutions."We find it unconscionable to vote for Libya to chair the UN Human Rights Commission -- State
Wednesday, 22 January 2003
"We would say, in particular to those who voted for Libya, that this is the Human Rights Commission," said State Department Spokesman Richard A. Boucher, "and that we find it unconscionable that people could find it possible to vote for a serious human rights offender like Libya to chair the Human Rights Commission."
On January 20th, Libya was elected by secret ballot to the chairmanship of the UN Human Rights Commission. There were 33 countries in favor, 3 opposed, and 17 abstentions.
The U.S. took the unprecedented step of calling for a vote and voted against Libya. "In our view, for the first time, an unacceptable candidate faced a real challenge and members were asked to face their responsibilities," added the Spokesman.Libya's GDP goes down to 0.6% in 2001 from 4.4% in 2000 -- IMF
Monday, 8 July 2002
Libya's GDP went down to 0.6 percent in 2001 from 4.4 percent in 2000 and 0.7 percent in 1999, said International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook-April 2002.
However, inflation went down to -8.5 percent in 2001 from -2.9 percent in 2000 and 2.6 percent in 1999.Scottish High Court of Justice upholds the conviction of al-Megrahi, Libya offers $3.5 billion in reparations -- Washington Institute
Friday, 15 March 2002
"The U.S. Government welcomes the decision of the Scottish High Court of Justice sitting in the Netherlands to uphold the conviction of Abdel [Basset] al-Megrahi," said a statement by the Press Secretary of the White House Ari Fleischer yesterday. "We reiterate the need for the Government of Libya to move quickly to satisfy its remaining obligations under UN Security Council resolutions related to the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103."
On 31 January 2001, former Libyan intelligence officer al-Megrahi was convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, that killed 259 passengers and crew as well as 11 people on the ground. President George W. Bush expected then that the libyans "pay reparations."
In a series of meetings in Paris over the issue of compensation, a Libyan delegation led by Libyan leader Muammar el-Qathafi's son, Seif ul-Islam, offered $3.5 billion while the representatives of the victims' families asked for $6 billion, according to a report by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy today.Abdel Basset al-Megrahi is convicted of 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland; the Libyans are expected to pay reparations – President Bush
Wednesday, 31 January 2001
A three-judge Scottish court at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands has unanimously convicted former Libyan intelligence officer Abdel Basset al-Megrahi, 48, of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, that killed 259 passengers and crew as well as 11 people on the ground. The court also unanimously acquitted former Libyan Arab Airlines employee al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah, 44.
Libyan television said that defense lawyers would appeal the court life sentence [with the prospect of parole in 20 years] within the allotted 14 days.
Abdel Basset al-Megrahi “was a high official,” said President George W. Bush. “We have made it very clear that this administration is going to hold the Libyans accountable. We expect them to pay reparations.”
At his first cabinet meeting today, President Bush added, “let’s see if they do -- We'll develop a plan.”
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