Terror victims 'cautious' over Libyan deal

Published Monday, 26 October 2009
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Victims of IRA terrorism are treating remarks by the Libyan leader about compensation with caution.

In a rare interview, Colonel Gaddafi indicated a deal had been done between Libya and Britain.

Colonel Gaddafi referred to a legal agreement which had been reached between the two countries.

"I believe that a legal agreement has been concluded between the two respective countries - Libya and the UK - to close the chapters of the past and that there would be no pursuit of any previous actions and that is that," he told Sky News.

A delegation of MPs are due to travel to Tripoli next week to press Libyan officials for a possible financial package.

When asked about the delegation, the Libyan leader said: "To the best of my knowledge I am not aware there is a delegation, that is because I am not really interested.

"It does not concern me, these diplomatic or government delegations because I am out of it. But I believe that an agreement has been concluded between Libya and the UK."

DUP MPs Jeffrey Donaldson and Nigel Dodds are part of the delegation which will be in Libya from October 31 to November 2.

Mr Donaldson said: "Colonel Gaddafi has once again shown that he is keen to draw a line under past differences and this peace and reconciliation delegation is a major step toward achieving that, as well as justice for our victims of human tragedy."

Jason McCue, advisor to the Peace and Reconciliation Delegation, said: "Every time I listen to the words of Colonel Gaddafi, I hear a country that is positive and wants dialogue to put the past behind it. Our peace and reconciliation delegation can achieve just that by resolving remaining thorns in a humanitarian context."

But William Frazer from Victims group FAIR said he was not entirely convinced about Colonel Gaddafi's remarks.

"We would treat this statement with caution. Of course we welcome any new development there is, but until we see what's on the table we're treating it with caution," he said.

© UTV News
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1 Comments
lorna in limavady wrote (940 days ago):
What is he talking about, what deal? he is like many here not facing up to the terror he has given the innocent victims and denying HIS victims their rights. Can we expect anything else from a man who once was a terrorist and took libya by force.If the British had murdered his son or father he would be looking for justice. And the Americans who were responsible for Britain getting involved in the first place just looked after American victims.
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