Libya lobbyist holds seat on top U.S. Energy board

[Tony_FLADEM]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Although the United States still classifies Libya as a terrorism sponsor, the U.S. lobbyist for Muammar Gaddafi has for the past year quietly held a seat on the Energy Department's top advisory board, and the former energy secretary who appointed her now serves on the board of a major U.S. oil company seeking contracts in Libya.

U.S. President Bush rolled back most economic sanctions against Libya more than a year ago, and administration officials say the appointments do not violate any laws or restrictions on former policymakers.

But some outside experts and families of the victims of the 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 Lockerbie bombing, blamed on Libya, say the web of connections raises questions about conflicts of interest and undue Libyan influence.

"Do we really want someone advising the U.S. energy secretary on energy policy who has literally signed up to put Libya's interests first?" asked Mary Boyle of the watchdog group Common Cause.

Former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's chief of staff, Joseph McMonigle, said it was not uncommon for departing government officials -- and lobbyists -- to get seats on the industry-dominated energy advisory board.

< http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=8545339&src=rss/ElectionCoverage>

[Joe_VB]

1. Why am I not surprised.......

[donsu]

2. kick - america is a crime scene

nt