UK to seek UN action against WMD strike on Libya
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, June 26, IRNA
UK Protection-Libya Nuclear
The British government is committing itself to seek UN action against any nuclear, chemical or biological weapons attack on Libya following Tripoli's decision to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs.
Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells said that he was 'particularly pleased' to be signing a Joint Letter on Peace and Security during his three day visit to Libya, which ends Tuesday.
"This marks Libya's historic decision to renounce weapons of mass destruction, and demonstrates the strong relations between the UK and Libya," Howells said.
According to the Foreign Office in London, the joint letter 'commits the UK to seeking some form of UN Security Council action if Libya were attacked with nuclear, chemical or biological weapons'.
The agreement, based on the principles of the UN charter, also recalls that the non-use of force and the prohibition of aggression are well established in the UN Charter and in international law.
During his visit, the first since he became Foreign Office minister for the Middle East last year, Howells said he would be meeting a number of ministers, including Foreign Minister Abdulrahman Shalgam and European Minister Abdulati al-Obidi.
"It will be a good opportunity to discuss the many areas where we have close co-operation, for example on trade, counter terrorism and illegal immigration. I also look forward to sharing views on regional issues such as the situation comes after Libya renounced its weapons of mass destruction programs in December 2003."
Last month, the US also announced that it renew full diplomatic ties with Tripoli and hailed the decision as an 'important step' which it said will help reinforce world peace.
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