Interview with Libyan Secretary for Unity Jum'ah al- Fazzani, by Sawsan Abu-Husayn in Cairo; date not given
[FBIS Translated Text]
[Abu-Husayn] What are the latest developments in the Lockerbie crisis, particularly in view of the recent alternative solutions
proposed by the Arab and African committees and their forthcoming move in this regard?
[Al-Fazzani] It should be pointed out first that the Lockerbie crisis, which has forcibly imposed some measures on us, is an
issue we have nothing to do with. Libya has nevertheless shown a total flexibility which has been welcomed by the international
community and has resulted in resolutions being adopted by the OAU, the Arab League, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the
Organization of Islamic Conference. Collectively, these organizations represent the majority of the international community. In
addition, most states of the UN General Assembly [UNGA] have welcomed the initiatives approved by all the regional
organizations mentioned earlier. Ultimately we aim to find out the truth by having the suspects tried before a Scottish court, with
Scottish judges, and in accordance with Scottish law at The Hague UN headquarters, because the Netherlands is a neutral
country, so we can guarantee fairness and justice in this trial. Finally, the seven-member and five-member committees have
agreed on this and have suggested that the Security Council issue a resolution to set up a special court to meet at the UN
headquarters. We are now examining how this measure can be implemented.
[Abu-Husayn] What new proposals did the 107th Arab League session put forward to solve the Lockerbie crisis?
[Al-Fazzani] The session called for coordination between the five-member and seven-member committees in urging the Security
Council to issue a resolution on setting up a court at the UN headquarters. We had made this proposal earlier on the sidelines of
the 51st UNGA session last October. We felt that there was a flexibility in this context at international level, particularly after the
detente in Libyan-French relations and our call for positions which enjoy international support, such as the condemnation of
terrorism, our readiness to cooperate with the international community and hold a special conference to discuss the problems
and causes of terrorism and the solutions needed, and also our cooperation with France in the judicial field by implementing
Security Council Resolution 731, which calls for such cooperation between Libya and France.
[Abu-Husayn] How has the continuing blockade affected the Libyan people?
[Al-Fazzani] There is no doubt that the decision to impose the blockade on the Libyan people is painful, especially as it confirms
the double standard used in implementing Security Council resolutions. For example, if Libya is accused in a legal case which
has not been settled yet, why was Article 7 (of the UN charter) invoked and an air embargo and a financial and economic
blockade imposed on it, with terrible consequences for economic development and all other fields, in addition to the human toll?
Why is Israel allowed to disregard the international resolutions and occupy the land of others? Why is Israel exempt from
implementing Security Council resolutions despite the fact that it is threatening international security and peace and the fact that
its current Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has resorted to a new international order which would justify the fact that he
does not have to abide by his commitments? The Israeli prime minister's policy is causing chaos in the world, and we fear that
some states will follow in his footsteps. Libya, which has not threatened security and peace, has not occupied other people's
land, and has not attacked anyone, is being subjected to unjust draconian measures and is really suffering from the organized
state terrorism that the United States is practicing.
[Abu-Husayn] Can you say that the file of the Libyan- French crisis has been
closed?
[Al-Fazzani] The brother leader Colonel Mu'ammar al- Qadhdhafi has stated that the file of the Libyan-French crisis has been
closed. We expect a major detente in the economic cooperation field between France and Libya over the next phase.
[Abu-Husayn] Do you expect the United States to veto any proposal to solve the Lockerbie crisis, and therefore the blockade
imposed on the Libyan people to remain?
[Al-Fazzani] It is a fact that the U.S. veto has been active in the current phase and is being used against all Arab interests. In any
case, we expect the United States to adopt this approach. We will take appropriate action to prevent the U.S. objectives from
being achieved.
[Abu-Husayn] Why is the Libyan issue not being discussed at the UNGA first?
[Al-Fazzani] This depends on the mechanism which has been agreed by the Arab League and the OAU.
[Abu-Husayn] In a few days' time Libya will be commemorating the U.S. raid on Col. al-Qadhdhafi's home. What is the point of
commemorating this event?
[Al-Fazzani] First, it is a message which stresses that the Libyans are peaceful people who neither harbor hostility nor practice
terrorism, and that, instead, they are the victim of organized international terrorism and of an unjust aggression used skillfully by
the United States against the Libyan people. Second, Libya is interacting positively with its Arab, regional, Mediterranean, and
international environment and with all the international facts and developments and is merely trying to assert its rights, its
sovereignty, and its people's freedom. This, however, is at odds with U.S. policy.
[Abu-Husayn] What purpose does Libya achieve by violating the air embargo imposed on it once a year, during the pilgrimage?
[Al-Fazzani] Thank God, the Libyan plane carrying the Libyan pilgrims has arrived in Jeddah and returned [safely] to Libya. Other groups of pilgrims to God's holy city have followed, and everything was made public at the time. This is something which cannot be subjected to politics or bargaining.
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