The United States should hold off on normalizing relations with Libya until it fulfills its financial commitments to American families of victims of
Libyan terrorism, a U.S. lawmaker said. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, cited terrorist acts connected to Libya in a statement Monday. “In 1988, Libyan terrorists killed 270 people in the Pan Am Flight
103 Lockerbie bombing. The Libyan government acknowledged its role in the
Lockerbie bombing in 2003 and committed to a settlement to each victim’s
family,” Lautenberg wrote. “To date, Libya has not fulfilled its commitment.
“In 1986, Libyan terrorists bombed the LaBelle discotheque in
Berlin that killed two American servicemen and injured 90 other service
members. In 2006, Libya entered into a settlement agreement with these
victims and notified the State Department of their intentions. To date,
Libya has also not fulfilled its commitment.”
Until these commitments are fulfilled, the U.S. should not normalize relations, he wrote. Lautenberg’s statement comes as the Bush administration pursues
funding for a new $115 million embassy in Tripoli and $1.15 million in economic
and military assistance to the nation.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
