Keynote Address - US-Libya Re-Engagement: The Path Forward
Event Featuring:
Overview
Congressman Tom Lantos discussed the Libyan decision to renounce its nuclear weapons development program and the subsequent process of renewing Libya's diplomatic relations with the United States. He stressed the importance of fully normalizing both diplomatic and commercial relations with Libya in spite of lingering concerns over the country's human rights policies. Congressman Lantos also argued that Libya is a potential model for future American relations with Iran and North Korea.
Event Summary
Congressman Lantos argued that Libya represents a compelling model for future relations with Iran and North Korea. The successful renewal of US-Libya relations since the end of Libya’s nuclear program could potentially persuade the leaders in Tehran and Pyongyang to follow Qaddafi’s lead and end their nuclear and weapons development programs as well. Congressman Lantos contended that the progress made between the United States and Libya in recent months demonstrates to other nations that the United States will honor commitments to countries that renounce their weapons programs.
To further the progress made in relations between the United States and Libya, Congressman Lantos made the argument for normalization of diplomatic relations and the removal of Libya from the list of countries that support terrorism. The United States must make a serious, long-term commitment to Libya, which entails encouraging academic exchanges as well as diplomatic and economic relations. Until recently, there were no Libyan students enrolled at universities in the United States for years. Currently, the first group of Libyan graduate students is studying at the University of Denver in the departments of engineering and computer science. Congressman Lantos encouraged more of these kinds of opportunities for educational and cultural interactions.
Despite the successes of the United States’ re-engagement with Libya, normalcy between the two countries remains a long way off. Libya’s controversial human rights policies are among the many obstacles facing the opening of complete diplomatic relations. Congressman Lantos insisted that it is imperative that the United States not expect instantaneous progress on the part of Libya in this regard and that Americans should continue to have full diplomatic and commercial relations with the country while simultaneously demanding that human rights conditions improve.
Congressman Lantos urged Libyans not to be overly sensitive to criticism from the United States. He urged the Libyan government to keep in mind that the United States is a self-critical country and that there is no contradiction in having open, friendly relations while at the same time criticizing Libyan practices or policies with which the United States disagrees. For its part, he argued, the United States must be respectful and sensitive to Libya’s political, cultural, and religious concerns.
Congressman Lantos credited both Libyan officials and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with achieving success in one of the United States’ few positive developments in international relations and diplomacy in recent years. He argued that success with Libya could signal a positive change in the international image of the United States as well as an important model and precedent that could be followed by similar developments in Iran and North Korea.
About this Event
Congressman Tom Lantos presented these remarks to open "US- Libya Re-Engagement: The Path Forward" at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on June 23, 2006. The US-Libya Business Association and the Middle East Institute jointly sponsored this event.
Speaker Details
Congressman Tom Lantos has represented California's 12th district since 1981. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Congressman Lantos is the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is the ranking Democratic member on the House International Relations Committee and co-chairs the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. Congressman Lantos has made five visits to Libya in recent years and currently is pressing for the complete restoration of diplomatic relations with Tripoli.
Attributions
Julia Shatz prepared this event summary. She is a third year student at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY, where she studies modern Middle Eastern history and Arabic. Currently, Julia is an intern in the Programs Department at the Middle East Institute. Abdallah Zihni edited this event summary.
