Official: U.S. May Lift Libya Sanctions

[CShine]

The United States is expected to lift two sets of sanctions against Libya and may take the action in the next few days, an administration official said Tuesday. The move would be a follow up to Libya's decision to dismantle its unconventional weapons program, and other gestures. The official, asking not to be identified, said a final decision on the sanctions will be made by President Bush.

At issue are sanctions imposed under the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act and the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher noted Tuesday that President Bush has said he will reciprocate for Libyan disarmament efforts. In that connection, Boucher said, "We have been looking at potential measures to normalize trade and investment."

Meanwhile, Libya has agreed to a three-month extension on the April 24 deadline by which the United States was to have lifted the sanctions in return for Libyan compensation payments to families of Pan Am 103 victims.

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