Libya: Background and U.S. Relations
Abstract
Libyan-U.S. rapprochement has unfolded gradually since 2003, when the Libyan government accepted responsibility for the actions of its personnel in regard to the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and announced its decision to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and long-range missile programs. In response, U.S. sanctions were gradually removed, and, on May 15, 2006, the Bush Administration announced its intention to restore full diplomatic relations with Libya and to rescind Libya's listing as a state sponsor of terrorism. Full diplomatic relations were restored on May 31, 2006 when the United States upgraded its Liaison Office in Tripoli to an Embassy. Libya was removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and states not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism efforts in June 2006. Until recently, U.S.-Libyan re-engagement was hindered by lingering disagreements over outstanding legal claims related to U.S. citizens killed or injured in past Libyan-sponsored or supported terrorist attacks. Under the terms of a Claims Settlement Agreement reached between the Libyan and U.S. governments in August 2008, funds now have been made available to settle specific outstanding claims. The 111th Congress and the Administration of President-elect Barack Obama will inherit a U.S.-Libya relationship that is relatively free of longstanding constraints but which also remains relatively undefined. This report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; profiles Libyan leader Muammar al Qadhafi; discusses Libya's political and economic reform efforts; and reviews current issues of potential congressional interest. It will be updated to reflect major developments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 18, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490385
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Blanchard
Organizations
- Library of Congress