America and Libya Sign Deal On Lockerbie Attack

Diplomacy from a position of strength always yields better results. 

Assistant Secretary of State David Welch signed the deal in Tripoli, Libya, on Thursday. If implemented, the deal will end Libya’s legal liability in numerous lawsuits from families of victims of what the United States considers Libyan terrorist acts. It also paves the way for stronger ties between the two nations and increased U.S. involvement in the oil-rich nation.

“This resolves the last major historical issue that has stood in the way of a more normal relationship between our two countries,” Welch said.

The deal previously had hinged on congressional approval. Last month, just before leaving for summer recess, Congress unanimously adopted the Libyan Claims Resolution Act, sponsored by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-New Jersey. The legislation cleared the way to end the feud with Libya over terrorist attacks, and creates a fund for victim payments.

“The Libyans didn’t believe that Congress would ever be helpful and Congress didn’t think Libya would ever do it,” Welch said Thursday in a telephone interview from Libya. “We found a diplomatic way to accommodate both sides by turning suspicion into an asset.”

Under the new law, Congress gives the Bush administration the authority to restore sovereign immunity for Libya only when the United States receives the agreed-upon money to pay American claimants in the fund and the Secretary of State certifies it.