INDEPTH: LIBYA
Bush: Libya will 'renounce terrorism'
CBC News Online | December 19, 2003
On Dec. 19, 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush announced that Libya plans to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction programs. The following is the text of the speech.
 George Bush comments on Libya's disclosure and dismantling of weapons of mass destruction (Runs 7:00)
Good evening.
I have called you here today to announce a
development of great importance in our continuing effort to prevent
the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Today in Tripoli, the
leader of Libya, Col. Moammar al-Gadhafi, publicly confirmed his
commitment to disclose and dismantle all weapons of mass
destruction programs in his country.
He has agreed immediately and
unconditionally to allow inspectors from international
organizations to enter Libya. These inspectors will render an
accounting of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs
and will help oversee their elimination.
Col. Gadhafi's commitment,
once it is fulfilled, will make our country more safe and the world
more peaceful.
Talks leading to this announcement began about nine months ago
when Prime Minister Tony Blair and I were contacted through
personal envoys by Col. Gadhafi. He communicated to us his
willingness to make a decisive change in the policy of his
government.
At the direction of Col. Gadhafi, himself, Libyan
officials have provided American and British officers with
documentation on that country's chemical, biological, nuclear and
ballistic missile programs and activities. Our experts in these
fields have met directly with Libyan officials to learn additional
details.
Opposing proliferation is one of the highest priorities of the
war against terror. The attacks of September the 11th, 2001 brought
tragedy to the United States and revealed a future threat of even
greater magnitude. Terrorists who killed thousands of innocent
people would, if they ever gained weapons of mass destruction, kill
hundreds of thousands -- without hesitation and without mercy. And
this danger is dramatically increased when regimes build or acquire
weapons of mass destruction and maintain ties to terrorist groups.
The United States and our allies are applying a broad and active
strategy to address the challenges of proliferation, through
diplomacy and through the decisive actions that are sometimes
needed. We've enhanced our intelligence capabilities in order to
trace dangerous weapons activities. We've organized a proliferation
security initiative to interdict dangerous materials and
technologies in transit. We've insisted on multilateral approaches
like that in North Korea to confront threats. We are supporting the
work of the International Atomic Energy Agency to hold the Iranian
regime to its treaty obligations.
We obtained an additional United Nations Security Council
Resolution requiring Saddam Hussein to prove that he had disarmed,
and when that resolution was defied, we led a coalition to enforce
it. All of these actions by the United States and our allies have
sent an unmistakable message to regimes that seek or possess
weapons of mass destruction. Those weapons do not bring influence
or prestige. They bring isolation and otherwise unwelcome
consequences.
And another message should be equally clear: leaders who abandon
the pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and the
means to deliver them, will find an open path to better relations
with the United States and other free nations. With today's
announcement by its leader, Libya has begun the process of
rejoining the community of nations. And Col. Gadhafi knows the way
forward. Libya should carry out the commitments announced today.
Libya should also fully engage in the war against terror. Its
government, in response to the United Nations Security Council
Lockerbie demands, has already renounced all acts of terrorism and
pledged cooperation in the international fight against terrorism.
We expect Libya to meet these commitments, as well.
As the Libyan government takes these essential steps and
demonstrates its seriousness, its good faith will be returned.
Libya can regain a secure and respected place among the nations,
and over time, achieve far better relations with the United States.
The Libyan people are heirs to an ancient and respected culture,
and their country lies at the center of a vital region. As Libya
becomes a more peaceful nation, it can be a source of stability in
Africa and the Middle East.
Should Libya pursue internal reform, America will be ready to
help its people to build a more free and prosperous country. Great
Britain shares this commitment, and Prime Minister Blair and I
welcome today's declaration by Col. Gadhafi. Because Libya has a
troubled history with America and Britain, we will be vigilant in
ensuring its government lives up to all its responsibilities. Yet,
as we have found with other nations, old hostilities do not need to
go on forever. And I hope that other leaders will find an example
in Libya's announcement today.
Our understanding with Libya came about through quiet diplomacy.
It is a result, however, of policies and principles declared to
all. Over the last two years, a great coalition of nations has come
together to oppose terror and to oppose the spread of weapons of
mass destruction. We've been clear in our purposes. We have shown
resolve. In word and in action, we have clarified the choices left
to potential adversaries. And when leaders make the wise and
responsible choice, when they renounce terror and weapons of mass
destruction, as Col. Gadhafi has now done, they serve the interest
of their own people and they add to the security of all nations.
Thank you.
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| QUICK FACTS: |
Country name: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahirya
Total area: 1,759,540 sq. km
Population (July 2004): 5,631,585
Currency: 1.2 dinar = $1 US
Capital: Tripoli
Head of state: Col. Moammar Abu Minyar al-Gadhafi
Government type: Republic with a General People's Congress, members elected by people's committees
Languages: Arabic, Italian and English widespread in major cities
Ethnic groups: Berber and Arab (97%)
Religion: Sunni Muslim (97%)
GDP (2004 est.): $35 billion U.S.
Key exports: The Libyan economy is largely dependent on oil exports, but the exports have been limited until recently due to international sanctions.
Other industries: Libya has been expanding its non-oil industries in recent years, until these industries, including petrochemical production, iron, steel and aluminum now account for 20 per cent of GDP. Climate and poor soil limit agriculture and Libya imports 75 per cent of its food.
Life expectancy (2004): Men 74.1 years, Women 78.58 years
Infant mortality: 25.7 deaths for 1,000 live births
Literacy (2003): Female 72%, male 92.4%
Per capita purchasing power: (2004 est) $6,400 U.S.
Oil production (2004 est): 1.429 million barrels/day
Unemployment rate (2001): 30 per cent
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U.S. restoring ties with Libya (May 15, 2006)
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Martin's Libya trip welcomed by Canadian business (Dec. 19, 2004)
EU rewards Libya by easing weapons embargo (Oct. 11, 2004)
Bush officially lifts Libya sanctions (Sept. 20, 2004)
Libya to pay $46 million for 1986 Berlin disco bombing (Aug. 10, 2004)
U.S. resumes diplomatic relations with Gadhafi's Libya (June 28, 2004)
Libya sentences 6 foreign workers to death (May 6, 2004)
Libya, France reach deal over UTA bombing (Jan. 9, 2004)
Libya will 'renounce terrorism,' stop weapons of mass destruction program (Dec. 19, 2003)
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