UK CALLS FOR LIFTING OF UN SANCTIONS ON LIBYA
Foreign Office Minister Denis MacShane said on
FRIDAY 15 AUGUST 2003 

"In 1988, the worst terrorist incident on UK territory took place over Lockerbie. 270 people were killed when Pan Am 103 was blown out of the sky. Libya has today accepted responsibility for that outrage. At the same time it has agreed to pay substantial compensation to the relatives of those who were murdered. It has renounced terrorism and has agreed to cooperate with any further Lockerbie investigation.

"In so doing, Libya has met all the remaining requirements of the UN Security Council on Lockerbie. We are therefore supporting the lifting of sanctions by the UN. We have written today to the President of the Security Council to make that clear. And our Permanent Representative to the UN will table a draft Security Council resolution to that effect shortly.

"This agreement is the result of patient diplomacy, based on some clear points of principles. We will bring terrorists to justice. Since the downing of Pan Am 103 in December 1988 we have pursued those responsible, leading to the trial and conviction of AI Megrahi in 2001. Those responsible for supporting terrorism will have to account for their actions, however long it takes. 

They will stay outside the international community until then. This is all the more pertinent since the terrible events of September 11 th. We shall stick to this approach but remain willing to engage with those who show that they are prepared to change their stance. So we have participated in a long series of discussions with the Libyans about how they should meet the remaining Security Council requirements.

"Libya has met the four obligations placed on it by the UN - it has accepted responsibility, met its obligations on compensation, renounced terrorism and agreed to co-operate on any further investigation. This is of great significance for the international community. It shows that it is possible to resolve serious security issues through commitment, dialogue and cooperation. And it marks the proper re-emergence of Libya into the international community and a further opportunity to improve UK/Libyan relations.

"My final comment must be reserved for the families of those who died at Lockerbie. I know that their relatives can never be replaced. I hope, however, that today will bring some comfort."

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