Media Release
Tuesday, 23 December 2003 - MVT96/2003
Constructive Engagement with Libya Rewarded on Two Fronts
Australia’s move to normalise diplomatic relations with Libya in June 2002 was a clear demonstration of a practical, pragmatic approach to international relations, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said today.
Mr Vaile was speaking after the weekend’s announcement that Libya had committed to abandon Weapons of Mass Destruction and to allow international weapons inspectors into the country.
"In the space of three weeks we have seen two announcements that validate the Australian Government policy towards Libya," Mr Vaile said.
On 1 December, Woodside Petroleum announced a $140 million oil and gas exploration agreement with the Libyan Government, and now Libya has moved to abandon its WMD.
"During my visit to Libya in July 2002, the two key messages I delivered where that Australia needed to begin rebuilding its commercial relationship with Libya, and if the political relationship was also to develop further Libya needed to take action to prove to the international community that it had given up its WMD ambitions and renounced terrorism in all forms," Mr Vaile said.
Australia restored normal diplomatic relations with Libya in June 2002. One month later, Mr Vaile undertook an historic trade mission to Libya, the first visit by an Australian Minister in over 15 years to the North African country –and the first visit following the suspension of United Nations sanctions in 1999.
Mr Vaile led a 20-member trade delegation –including Woodside Petroleum, AWB Limited and Meat & Livestock Australia –on a visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between Libya and Australia. The visit also demonstrated the Government’s support for Australian companies interested in exploring opportunities in Libya.
The Woodside deal followed the complete lifting of United Nations sanctions against Libya in September 2003. The United Nations Security Council voted to lift more than a decade of sanctions against Libya when it accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing in 1988; to renounce terrorism; pay compensation to the victims and undertake to co-operate with any further investigations.
Contact: Matthew Doman 02 6277 7420