U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Libyan Secretary Abd al-Rahman Shalgam

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Libyan Secretary of the General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation Abd al-Rahman Shalgam met today in New York. Their discussion covered the full range of bilateral issues, including expansion of the U.S- Libya relationship, reform issues, human rights, and cooperation on counter-terrorism and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.

Secretary Rice reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working to broaden and deepen the relationship between Libya and the U.S, as Libya implements its undertakings.

Secretary Rice noted that American companies are returning to do business in Libya; and that increased economic and cultural ties benefit both countries. She expressed appreciation for Libya’s efforts in working to resolve the situation in Darfur and Libyan cooperation in the global war on terror, and commended the historical decision made by the Libyan Leadership in December 2003 to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.

Secretary Shalgam praised growing bilateral ties, and reaffirmed Libya’s commitment to the statements made in its letter addressed to the Security Council on August 15, 2003, renouncing terrorism in all its forms and pledging that it will not support acts of international terrorism or other acts of violence targeting civilians, whatever their political views or positions. Libyan also expressed its commitment to continue cooperating in the international fight against terrorism.

Secretary Rice noted that the path Libya had chosen was making the world a more peaceful place, serving the interest of Libya's own people, and adding to the security of all nations. She affirmed that as Libya continued this course, it would regain a secure and respected place among the nations of the world.

Secretary Shalgam pledged to cooperate in good faith with any further requests for information in connection with the Pan Am investigation.

Secretary Rice welcomed this assurance and the two parties agreed to continue and increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest.