HC Deb 16 March 1999 vol 327 cc884-6
18. Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend, East)

What progress has been made in normalising relations with Libya. [74924]

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Robin Cook)

The first step in normalising relations with Libya must be for Libya to comply with its obligations in international law—primarily by handing over the two accused of the Lockerbie bombing. With our American and Dutch partners, we have gone to great lengths to arrange for a trial in a third country and also to convince the Libyan Government that it will be a fair trial. I am encouraged by recent statements by Colonel Gaddafi, in particular his recognition that no one can criticise the fairness of Scottish justice. Those statements leave Libya no reasonable grounds on which to refuse to surrender the two suspects.

Sir Teddy Taylor

Will the Foreign Secretary make it clear that sanctions will end, normal transport links will be restored and the Government will endeavour to restore good relations with Libya if the two suspects are handed over?

Mr. Cook

First, we have made it perfectly plain from the start of this exercise that sanctions will be suspended from the moment that the two suspects arrive in the Netherlands. There is also a commitment under the Security Council's resolutions that, within 90 days of that occasion, the Secretary-General will report on Libya's outstanding responsibilities, for instance on the question of compensation. If Libya fully complies in those 90 days, I have every confidence that we can then proceed from suspension to lifting of the sanctions.

On normalisation of transport and other links, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that we continue to have concerns over the murder of WPC Fletcher. However, I can assure the House that, if we resolve the issue of our right to try the two Lockerbie bombing suspects, in circumstances and under arrangements that Libya itself asked for, we will show good will and good faith in trying to arrange a resolution of the outstanding matters.

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