US eases sanctions on Libya
2004-04-24 12:01
Washington - US President George W Bush on Friday eased economic sanctions on Libya to reward Tripoli for giving up its quest for weapons of mass destruction.
"Through its actions, Libya has set a standard that we hope other nations will emulate," Bush spokesperson Scott McClellan said in a statement released by the White House while the president touted his environmental record in Florida.
Bush's decision allows the resumption of most bilateral commercial activities, financial transactions and investments, and enables US firms to buy or invest in Libyan oil.
And Washington "will take steps to encourage Libya's reintegration with the global market," said McClellan, who announced that the United States would drop its objection to Libyan efforts to join the World Trade Organisation.
But the move does not affect US sanctions ties to Washington's determination that Tripoli is a sponsor of terrorism, meaning exports of items with potential military use, as well as sales of defense articles are still prohibited.
Moreover, "direct air service between the US and Libya and third country code-sharing are not yet authorised, nor is the release of frozen Libyan Government assets," said McClellan.