House Minority Leader John Boehner, Ohio Republican, traveled to Libya and met yesterday with Col. Muammar Qadhafi, leader of a nation that the United States renewed its diplomatic relations with just under two years ago.
"[S]ince then, the Libyan government has taken key steps toward reintegrating as a partner in the world community and in the war on terror," Boehner said in a statement. "Col. Qadhafi and I also discussed how vital it is for his government to continue taking these steps, including settling claims to fully accept responsibility for past actions and offenses, in order for this progress to continue."
Libya has made strides in fighting terrorism and strengthening its Western ties after accepting responsibility for the downing of Pan AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1992.
Boehner led a delegation of five Republican House members to Libya as part of a trip to build ties with Israel, Tunisia and Morocco as well. The delegation included Reps. John Carter of Texas, Pete Hoekstra of Michigan, Jeff Miller of Florida and Peter Roskam of Illinois.
— Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times
Comments (2)
It is becoming more and more apparent that this administration is trading in its long term strategic interests, for a short term strategic victory. What is at stake in the long run is a peaceful Libya, that respects international law abroad, while respecting the will of its people and the rule of law at home.
This administration has ignored the tyranny and oppression that this regime has waged on its own people, in the name of the War on Terror. Years from now, when the Gaddafi regime has perished, the US will deal with a different regime. One that will likely remember US selfishness and neglect of the Libyan people for the sake of our misguided interests.
Posted by Libyano-Americano | March 29, 2008 1:28 AM
Gaddadi never stopped being a terrorist and still runs a police state and he has fooled the Bush administration by giving up his nuclear dreams while still aiding and abetting terrorists worldwide. It amazes me how the Bush administration so easily bought into Gaddafi's lies. What's next? An alliance with Al Queda if they too lie about giving up weapons of mass destruction?
Posted by Mark Jeffery Koch | March 30, 2008 9:29 AM