Moammar Gadhafi

Libya's actions "have made our country and the world safer," the White House said April 23. But significant sanctions remain as an inducement to Libya to resolve issues that are pending.

Gadhafi agreed in December to dismantle Libya's biological, chemical and nuclear weapons programs. In response, the Bush administration two months ago lifted a ban on use of American passports to travel to Libya.

The easing of sanctions imposed in 1986 and those called for under a 1996 Libya sanctions law will allow a resumption of oil imports from Libya, and permit most commercial activities, financial transactions and investments.

The 1996 measure carried the threat of penalties against foreign companies that made significant investments in Libya's energy sector.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 1, 2004
(C) All rights reserved