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United Kingdom

Britain to Reestablish Diplomatic Relations with Libya After 15-Year Rift

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Britain will speedily resume full diplomatic relations with Libya after a 15-year rift, following a breakthrough in the case of Yvonne Fletcher's killing in 1984. Libya has accepted "general responsibility" for the policewoman's death, promised to pay her family compensation, and agreed to co-operate with the UK police investigation. The concession comes after Libya's separate agreement to deliver the two suspects in the 1988 Pan Am airliner bombing to the Netherlands for a trial under Scottish law, which led to the suspension of selective United Nations trade and air transport sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Libya has accepted "general responsibility" for the 1984 killing of policewoman Yvonne Fletcher and promised to pay her family compensation.
  • Britain will speedily resume full diplomatic relations with Libya and send an ambassador to Tripoli.
  • The breakthrough follows Libya's agreement to deliver the two suspects in the 1988 Pan Am airliner bombing to the Netherlands for a trial under Scottish law.
  • The concession has led to the suspension of selective United Nations trade and air transport sanctions.
  • Libya has undertaken to co-operate with the UK police investigation into Yvonne Fletcher's murder, including co-operating with Scotland Yard.
  • The joint statement came after Britain dissuaded an all-party group of MPs from accompanying a delegation from the British-Libyan Business Group to Tripoli on Sunday.

Statistics:

  • The UK exported £237m worth of goods to Libya last year.
  • The UK imported £149m worth of goods from Libya last year.
  • The suspension of UN sanctions is expected to lift sales of aircraft and oil equipment to Libya.
  • The US sanctions may not be lifted until the opening, next spring, of the trial of the Lockerbie bomb suspects.

Sources:

  • Announcing Libya's concession in the House of Commons, Robin Cook, foreign secretary [1].
  • Abu-Ati al-Obeidi, Libya's ambassador to Rome, finalised a joint statement with Mr Cook in London [1].
  • The Department of Trade and Industry, citing data on trade between the UK and Libya [1].
  • Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, the businessman leading the delegation of 16 companies, expressing delight at the breakthrough [1].

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