The Libyan government has authorized its Foreign Ministry to
sign a cooperation agreement with the United States on the peaceful
use of nuclear energy, according to news reaching Tunis on Sunday
from Tripoli, the capital of Libya.
The agreement, proposed by the US government, is aimed at
building a nuclear power station in the northern African country
for generating electricity, desalinating seawater and producing
medical laser, the Libyan news agency reported.
Under the draft agreement, the two countries will conduct
research and exchange activities in the field of nuclear energy,
launch joint research projects and set up a regional nuclear
medical center to help Libya foster nuclear talents.
The draft agreement also provides that both countries will
enhance cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in such
fields as energy, seawater desalination, medicine, agriculture,
industry and environment to achieve win-win for both sides.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has previously criticized the
United States for failing to provide any compensation for his
country when Libya gave up its nuclear program in 2003.
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In an interview with the BBC on March 2, he said western countries
persuaded Libya to give up its nuclear program by promising to
provide economic compensation. However, neither the United States
nor Britain had fulfilled its promise.
(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)
