Verification of Libya's Decision to Eliminate WMD and MTCR-Class Missile Programs

On December 19, 2003, the Libyan Government issued a path-breaking statement, announcing that it had of "its own free will" decided to "be completely free of internationally proscribed weapons." In addition to ending its WMD programs, Libya stated that it had "decided to restrict itself to missiles with a range that comply with the standards of the [Missile Technology Control Regime]." Libya declared its intention to comply fully with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and to sign the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol and accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). All of these remarkable steps Libya announced would be undertaken "with all verifiable transparency, including immediate international inspection."

That same day, President Bush announced that: "As the Libyan government takes these essential steps and demonstrates its seriousness, its good faith will be returned. Libya can regain a secure and respected place among the nations, and over time, achieve far better relations with the United States."

The Verification Process

Libya’s historic decision was preceded by months of behind-the-scenes negotiations with the United States and the United Kingdom as well as visits by U.S. and UK experts to Libyan WMD and missile facilities. Following the December 19^th statements, Libya looked to the U.S., the United Kingdom and relevant international bodies for assistance in implementing its decision and verifying its eliminations. An intensive verification effort was conducted from January through September 2004.

Nuclear 

In all of these areas, Libya provided extensive documentation and access to personnel and facilities. Libya’s openness, cooperation, and commitment to implementing its decision were fundamental to the success of the elimination and verification process.

Future Consultations

On September 18, 2004, Libya, the U.S., and the UK established the Trilateral Steering and Cooperation Committee to oversee complete elimination of Libya’s WMD and MTCR-class missile programs and to discuss relevant issues if they arise.

The Libyan Model: A Path for Others to Follow

Though Libya was promised no specific benefits up front, benefits have flowed to Libya, including easing of sanctions, lifting of travel restrictions, increased diplomatic relations, unfreezing of assets, and significant commercial sector growth. The outcome of its genuine commitment to the dismantlement process and verification of the completion of that process shows that it is possible for the U.S. and a former adversary to improve relations and realize concrete mutual benefits as the result of the latter’s implementing a sincere renunciation of WMD.

• It shows that progress is possible in resolving WMD problems even when there are serious concerns about human rights violations, regional stability and support for terrorism. 
  
  
• It demonstrates that progress in improving relations – and the benefits that flow from such improvements – do not necessarily require regime change.
  

Indeed, after decades of tense relations, economic isolation, diplomatic sanctions and even occasional military clashes with U.S. forces, Libya today is much more secure by virtue of its decision. As President Bush stated in February 2004:

"Abandoning the pursuit of illegal weapons can lead to better relations with the United States and other free nations. Continuing to seek those weapons will not bring security or international prestige, but only political isolation, economic hardship, and other unwelcome consequences."

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