News Release
Romano Prodi
No 58/04
April 23, 2004
COLONEL GADDAFI TO VISIT THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION ON 27 APRIL
Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, Leader of the Libyan Jamahiriya, will visit
the European Commission (EC) on Tuesday 27th April. His visit
to the EC marks Colonel Gaddafi's first visit to Europe in many years, preparing
the ground for a full normalisation of relations between
Libya and the European Union.
This visit follows the remarkable progress achieved during the past few months
towards the reintegration of Libya within the international community, including
on the issues of weapons of mass destruction, commitment to peace and security
in the region, settlement of the Lockerbie and UTA cases and the lifting of UN
sanctions, as well as a clear reorientation towards a more open economy.
Libya has also announced her intention to join the
Barcelona Process in full, accepting its acquis and intending to play
her full part in the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership where it belongs. On 27 February
2004, on the occasion of the Sirte Summit of the African Union, Colonel Gaddafi
indicated to [European Commission]
President Prodi that Libya had taken the decision to join the Barcelona process
in full. This was confirmed publicly on 2 March by Colonel Gaddafi at the opening
of the General People's Congress. Subsequently, the Commission conducted an explanatory
technical multidisciplinary mission related to the Barcelona process between 22
and 25 March. And it is intending to receive in Brussels a delegation of Libyan
officials with a view to familiarize them with EU institutions and the goals,
mechanisms and procedures of the Barcelona process.
The visit will provide an opportunity for President Prodi and a number of
other Commissioners to discuss with Colonel Gaddafi a wide range of issues, including
the full participation of Libya in the Barcelona Process, the prospects for joint
efforts towards
peace and stability in the Mediterranean region, as well as EU future support
to economic and political reforms in Libya, including on human rights reforms.
Other topics that will feature prominently in the discussion will be the prospects
for co-operation on the fight against illegal immigration and on border control,
fisheries, as well as the respective development efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa
will also be discussed. Particular attention will also be devoted to the full
settlement of the still outstanding issues between Libya and Germany, as well
as to the case of the Bulgarian medical staff detained in Libya. A Council decision
will be needed before Libya is accepted as full member of the Barcelona process.
The EC welcomes this opportunity to continue the substantial dialogue initiated
by President Prodi with the Libyan leadership to the benefit of increased peace,
stability, prosperity and mutual understanding in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
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Press Contacts:
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Anthony Gooch
202-862-9523
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Maeve O'Beirne
202-862-9549
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