Jesse Jackson in Libya, Says Time Ripe to Revive U.S. Ties

[rodbarnett]

With Once-Isolated Country

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) - Reviving American diplomatic and economic ties with this oil-rich nation is key to regional stability, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said Thursday shortly before Washington lifted a 23-year-old ban on American travel to Libya.
Jackson, who said his visit was approved by the U.S. State Department, described Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi as a "very influential force" in the Middle East and Africa.

"In many ways Libya is pivotal," Jackson told The Associated Press in the lobby of Tripoli hotel. "Libya is somewhere in the gap between the Middle East and Africa and the U.S., so reconnecting, reviving this relationship is of great value in terms of diplomacy, stability in the region and trade."

Jackson said he would meet Gadhafi and other African heads of state Friday at the annual African Union summit in Sirte, 250 miles west of Tripoli. The summit ends Saturday.

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAHFXQ45RD.html

[Robb]

1. Gaaaaah!!

JESSE!! :grr: