U.S. Refuses to Lift Sanctions on Libya

[Guaranteed]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=3&u=/ap/20040106/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_libya_8

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) refused to lift U.S. sanctions against Libya on Monday, saying Moammar Gadhafi must take concrete steps to fulfill a pledge to scrap his chemical and nuclear weapons programs.


Bush said he was keeping in force a declaration of national emergency first issued by President Reagan in 1986 when the United States blocked Libyan assets in the United States, accusing Gadhafi's regime of sponsoring terrorism.


The U.S. sanctions have denied Libya access to hundreds of millions of dollars in property and bank assets, according to U.S. estimates.

<snip>

"As Libya takes tangible steps to address those concerns, the United States will in turn take reciprocal tangible steps to recognize Libya's progress," Bush said. "Libya's agreement marks the beginning of a process of rejoining the community of nations, but its declaration of December 19, 2003, must be followed by verification of concrete steps."

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Hmmm...I wonder exactly what concrete steps Bush is expecting to see from this terrorist with whom he is bargaining.

[leesa]

1. It won't matter what he does. Bush intends to invade them no matter

what, just like Afghanistan and Iraq.

[jpak]

2. I bet Cheney is thowing at tantrum over this...

As CEO of Haliburton, Cheney lobbied to lift sanctions against Libya (and I-raq and I-ran and the rest of the "terror states").

Gadhafi undoubtably danged the Petro-Candy in front of the Bushies to get them to agree to the removal of sanctions.

And Cheney undoubtably drooled at the prospect of more "bidness" for Haliburton.

Perhaps the Bushies are haggling a better deal for their cronies???

(psssst - we all know this ain't about WMD - *wink*wink*)

[benh57]

3. Eh?

He's not bargaining with them, that's the point.

From what i've read, (mostly in LA Times) Gadhafi is actually serious this time. It really sounds like he's turned over a new leaf, giving inspectors full access to everything. To me it sounds like he's already taken plenty of 'concrete steps'.

[Guaranteed]

4. He's NOT making deals?

You sure about that?

Isn't this whole thing just one big deal that's being made....with a terrorist?

Care to take a stab at why Bush is doing this?

[2cents]

5. the deal was cut and Gadhafi assumed the position

Now they're asking if he wouldn't mind squealing a little bit - it plays well back home in an election year.

If it were a Dem., he'd be accused of "coddling dictators".

[Guaranteed]

6. Yup. Or terrorists. nt

[windy2000]

7. Bush is like a little brat

The IAEA moved in and began inspections, they stole Bush's thunder. He wanted to be in charge so he could take full credit but now will take his ball and go home.

[daleo]

8. Recall the phrase "he won't take yes for an answer", circa 1991

I don't know if this is grandstanding on Bush's part, or part of a larger plan. I note Blair seems more conciliatory to Gadhafi, from some other articles posted. Again, part of an elaborate plan (good cop, bad cop), or is this more evidence of a falling out between Chimp and Poodle?