Ottawa—The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations welcomes the recent decision of the United Nations Security Council to lift the 11-year-old sanctions on Libya.

The sanctions were imposed over the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie Scotland but have now been lifted. Although no amount of money will ever compensate for the loss of these families, Libya's agreement to pay up to $10 million to each of the families of the 270 victims will help close a difficult chapter in Libya's relations with the U.S and Britain.

In recent years, Libya has played a significant role in the international arena. Libya is a major supporter of African development and a leading supporter of Palestinian independence. Libya was among the first countries to support the anti-terrorism war against Al Qaeda, and continues to cooperate in the international fight against terrorism.

NCCAR is also encouraged that over the last five years Libya has worked towards attracting foreign investment and increasing opportunities for Canadian companies. Unfortunately, Canada's exports to Libya have declined ten fold and Libya's exports to Canada are virtually non-existent.

With over 1000 Canadians living and working in Libya, NCCAR calls on the Canadian government to exert efforts to upgrade diplomatic relations, promote trade interaction and encourage reciprocal improvements in social and cultural areas to establish enhanced relations with Libya.