The Hill Times, October 27th, 2003

By Mazen Chouaib

Libya relations on right track

On Sept. 12, 2003, the United Nations lifted the sanctions it once imposed on Libya. The U.S., France, and other UN members have followed suit with Canada -- once a significant trading partner of Libya -- moving in the same direction. For many decades Libya's relationship with the West was plagued by controversy and confrontation. In the eighties, it was engaged in supporting violent liberation movements and played a major role in inter-Arab and African politics. Now, it appears that the Libyans are putting all this behind them and forging a new direction.

To the cynics, the change is nothing but a charm offensive. This may be a reasonable interpretation if the indications do not look earth-shattering. Libya accepted responsibility for the actions of some of its officials' involvement in the criminal downing of Pan Am Flight 103. Prior to that, Libya agreed to resolve a similar case with the French, to which a renegotiated settlement had been reached. In the 1990s and early 2000, Libya's emissaries negotiated and paid for the release of Western hostages, which were abducted in the Philippines and Africa. Most recently Libya, ahead of any other state, announced that it supported America's right to go to war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. It went further than most by supplying information and assisting in capturing Al Qaeda operatives.

But most importantly, Libya had stopped supporting violent groups in pursuit of their political objectives.

Reports indicate that there is a new vision in Libya. The leadership appears to be interested in political plurality and advancing an international agenda. There are reports of Libyan dissidents and exiles returning home for debates and discussions. Some have even been offered senior political positions in the government. Some Libyan Canadians I had the opportunity to meet corroborated these reports and went even further to suggest and urge a direct and a proactive Canadian role in Libya. The Canadian government will have to play its part, they argued.

Since 1999 Europe has pursued a constructive engagement policy with Libya. Ministers and Prime Ministers have been visiting the country to discuss re-engagement. European organizations and companies are well-established, and it appears that Libya is acting as a gate to Africa. The Libyans are assisting Europe in stemming illegal immigration from Africa and North Africa. Libya bankrolled the establishment of the organization of the African Unity, built roads, and railroads linking African countries together. It has also backed away from an oil deal with Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe, hoping to seal an oil deal which would have given him some economic support, returned empty handed from a recent visit to Libya.

Canadian relations with Libya have been positively changing. A recent visit by the Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie Denis Paradis from Sept. 1 to 6, 2003 was one step in the right direction. Press reports of the visit indicate a serious level of interest in and appreciation for Canada. Previously Canada enjoyed a significant trade surplus with Libya. Canada's exports to Libya reached a peak of $219.45-million in 1997 and, despite the lifting of international sanctions, have declined steadily to $20-million in 2001.

Contrary to demands in the House that only "big stick" diplomacy works, in the case of Libya soft diplomacy is required. The wind of democratic development, good governance, human rights, and openness, are blowing in the right direction. By being there, involved with government and civil society, by enjoying a special economic status, by promoting Canadian cultural values our impact will be significant.

In order to make the impact that Canadians wish to make we need to have an effective mission with the necessary tools and resources. We need an immigration office that will facilitate students and business people to travel to Canada. A Canadian trade delegation early in the new year will likely gain a foot hold in Libya before others scoop the big contracts.

Mike O'Brien, the English minister of the Foreign Office, summed up Europe's view of the transformation in Libya: "Our hard headed judgment all along is that we are more likely to achieve that [resolution to Lockerbie] by encouraging rather than isolating Libya. The Libyans recognize their long term interests are in being part of the international community."

Mazen Chouaib is executive director, National Council on Canada Arab Relations (NCCAR).

The Hill Times