Discussions Point Way To Better U.S.-Libyan Relations, Rice Says
Secretary of state also renews call for Iran to resume nuclear negotiations
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says that discussions with Libyan Foreign Minister Abd al-Rahman Shalgam point the
way toward "better and better relations" between the Libyan and U.S. governments and people.
Speaking September 17 at a joint appearance with Shalgam in New York, where the United Nations General Assembly is
holding its 60th session, Rice took particular note of Libya’s "historic decision of get rid of its weapons of mass
destruction."
The brief joint appearance augmented a written joint statement, which notes that their discussion had covered issues
including "expansion of the U.S.-Libya relationship, reform issues, human rights, and cooperation on counter-terrorism
and elimination of weapons of mass destruction."
In the statement, Rice expressed appreciation for Libya’s efforts to resolve the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan
(see Darfur Humanitarian Emergency) and of Libyan cooperation in the global war on terror, while Shalgam reaffirmed
Libya’s renunciation of terrorism in all its forms and its commitment "to continue cooperating in the international
fight against terrorism."
Asked at their joint appearance about developments in Iran, Rice said that nation "needs to return to negotiations" on
its nuclear development program -- negotiations that it unilaterally ended.
Iran’s past behavior "has left the world with a lack of confidence" in that nation’s willingness to live up to its
International Atomic Energy Agency obligations, she said.
Following are the transcript of Rice’s remarks and the text of her joint statement with Shalgam:
U.S. Department of State
Remarks with Libyan Foreign Minister Abd al-Rahman Shalgam
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
New York, New York
September 17, 2005
(4:30 p.m. EDT)
SECRETARY RICE: I just want to take a moment to welcome the Libyan Foreign Minister, Mr. Shalgam. We have had a very
good discussion of a path toward Libyan-U.S. relations that will lead us to better and better relations between our
people, between our governments.
Libya made a historic decision to get rid of its weapons of mass destruction and I think that it is paying off for Libya
in the sense that American companies are there, that we are having this meeting and that we are talking about how to
continue and push forward our relationship.
But I also wanted to say, Mr. Minister, is that it has been a good thing for the world and for the international
community to see the leadership of Libya and your leader in making this historic decision, and a decision that was taken
for peace. And thank you very much for that.
FOREIGN MINISTER SHALGAM: Madame, thank you, thank you --
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, what's your take on the recent developments of Iran here?
SECRETARY RICE: Well, I have not had an opportunity to read the speech of the Iranian President (inaudible) been in
meetings all day, but it is very clear in conversations here that everyone understands what Iran needs to do. Iran needs
to return to negotiations. It was in negotiations with the EU-3 when they decided unilaterally to leave those
negotiations and resume its nuclear programs.
The problem is that Iran's behavior in the past concerning its IAEA obligations has left the world with a lack of
confidence in Iran's willingness to live up to those obligations. That is why the EU-3 has talked to Iran about ways to
meet its needs - energy needs - without access to the fuel cycle. That is why the Russians have structured their
civilian nuclear Bushrer plant without access to the nuclear fuel cycle. And so I would hope that Iran would engage in
realistic discussions with the rest of the world about what is possible. There's time for diplomacy but Iran needs to
make a choice now to return to negotiations.
(end transcript of remarks)
(begin text of joint statement)
U.S. Department of State
Joint Statement
Office of the Spokesman
New York, New York
September 17, 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
and Libyan Secretary Abd al-Rahman Shalgam
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Libyan Secretary of the General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and
International Cooperation Abd al-Rahman Shalgam met today in New York. Their discussion covered the full range of
bilateral issues, including expansion of the U.S- Libya relationship, reform issues, human rights, and cooperation on
counter-terrorism and elimination of weapons of mass destruction.
Secretary Rice reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working to broaden and deepen the relationship between Libya and the
U.S, as Libya implements its undertakings.
Secretary Rice noted that American companies are returning to do business in Libya; and that increased economic and
cultural ties benefit both countries. She expressed appreciation for Libya's efforts in working to resolve the situation
in Darfur and Libyan cooperation in the global war on terror, and commended the historical decision made by the Libyan
Leadership in December 2003 to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.
Secretary Shalgam praised growing bilateral ties, and reaffirmed Libya's commitment to the statements made in its letter
addressed to the Security Council on August 15, 2003, renouncing terrorism in all its forms and pledging that it will
not support acts of international terrorism or other acts of violence targeting civilians, whatever their political
views or positions. Libyan also expressed its commitment to continue cooperating in the international fight against
terrorism.
Secretary Rice noted that the path Libya had chosen was making the world a more peaceful place, serving the interest of
Libya's own people, and adding to the security of all nations. She affirmed that as Libya continued this course, it
would regain a secure and respected place among the nations of the world.
Secretary Shalgam pledged to cooperate in good faith with any further requests for information in connection with the
Pan Am investigation.
Secretary Rice welcomed this assurance and the two parties agreed to continue and increase cooperation in areas of
mutual interest.