US lifts Libya travel ban, encourages deeper ties

By Terence Hunt, Associated Press, 2/27/2004

WASHINGTON -- The United States lifted a longstanding ban on travel to Libya yesterday and invited American companies to begin planning their return, after Moammar Khadafy's government affirmed that it was responsible for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988.

The administration also encouraged Libya to establish an official presence in Washington by opening an "interests section," a diplomatic office a classification beneath an embassy. And Washington will expand its diplomatic presence in Tripoli.

The White House announcement rescinded travel restrictions that have been in place for 23 years against Libya, which the United States had long branded a sponsor of state terrorism.

Allowing US travel to Libya would give American companies an opportunity to do lucrative business legally in Libya's rich oil fields. It also would help Khadafy emerge from semi-isolation.

US firms that had holdings in Libya before sanctions were imposed were authorized to negotiate the terms of renewing their operations, the White House said. But the companies will be required to obtain US approval of any agreement, if economic sanctions remain.

The Treasury Department said the prohibition on flights to Libya by US carriers remained for now, even though the travel ban was lifted.

The United States has been moving toward improved relations with Tripoli since Khadafy renounced the development of weapons of mass destruction and allowed weapons inspectors to verify that his country was abandoning nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs. "While more remains to be done, Libya's actions have been serious, credible, and consistent with Colonel Khadafy's public declaration that Libya seeks to play a role in `building a new world free from [weapons of mass destruction] and from all forms of terrorism,' " a White House statement said.

The easing of restrictions was cheered in Tripoli.

"The Americans are welcome here anytime," said Abdul Tahar, a student selling carpets and prayer rugs in Tripoli in the old Medina district. "American tourists and American dollars. Anything that will improve the situation here is welcome."