Monday, July 16, 2007

U.S. and Libya May Renew Diplomatic Relations

The Bush administration has decided to take Libya off the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Neither President Bush nor Secretary of State Rice made the official announcement. Instead, the decision was revealed by an assistant secretary of state. Removing Libya from the list is likely to occur after a 45-day public comment period. The United States and Libya have had no formal diplomat relations for the last 27 years. In 2004, Washington opened a liaison office in Libya, ended a 18-year trade embargo against the country and lifted a ban on travel there by Americans.If full diplomatic relations are re-established, the U.S. will open an embassy in Tripoli. An ambassador will replace the current charge d'affaires. Read full story

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