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23 September 1997

TRANSCRIPT: ALBRIGHT ON NEED TO MAINTAIN LIBYAN SANCTIONS

(Secretary of State at UN with UK's Cook) (420)
New York -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has reasserted the
U.S. insistence that United Nations sanctions remain in place against
Libya.
"We believe the Libya sanctions need to stay in place until the
Libyans turn over the suspects for the Lockerbie bombing," Albright
said in brief remarks to the press September 22.
The U.S. position was supported by the United Kingdom. Foreign
Minister Robin Cook said: "Our position is quite clear; this was an
act of mass murder. It cannot be laid to rest until there is a court
hearing and justice is seen to be done."
Following is a transcript of their remarks:
(Begin transcript)
Remarks by Secretary Of State Madeleine K. Albright and United Kingdom
Foreign Secretary Robin Cook at the United Kingdom UN Ambassador's
Residence
New York, New York
September 22, 199?
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Let me just first say, this is my ninth event
today and it's been a great day. Obviously, the President's speech was
the highlight, but having dinner with my good friend Robin Cook is a
great way to end this first day. We have a lot to talk about.
AMBASSADOR COOK: I felt the President's speech was a very fine speech.
Indeed, the only problem it has caused me is I've had to rewrite a lot
of my speech because he had a lot of the very same points there.
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: I was very glad to see that they are calling this
"The Reform Assembly."
AMBASSADOR COOK: Yes, I hope that turns out to be true.
QUESTION: What about the Libya sanctions?
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Well, we believe the Libya sanctions need to stay
in place until the Libyans turn over the suspects for the Lockerbie
bombing.
AMBASSADOR COOK: Can I just say since you asked the question that I'm
glad to have the opportunity to put the record straight. There has
been some quite mistaken reporting of the British government's
position. I've had a number of meetings on this in the Foreign Office.
I have discussed it with my Prime Minister. Our position is quite
clear; this was an act of mass murder. It cannot be laid to rest until
there is a court hearing and justice is seen to be done. And we will
continue to insist that those two men should stand trial and should
stand trial in the Scottish jurisdiction where they will get a fair
trial. Thank you very much.
(End transcript)