Written question asked by Sammy Wilson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 9 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 January 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Libya: Terrorism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government has had with the Libyan government on compensation for victims of IRA terrorism involving arms originating in Libya.

Answer: The Government have taken regular soundings on Libya's position in respect of its past support for the IRA since the restoration of diplomatic relations, notably in 2004, 2006, in November 2007, and most recently through the United States in August 2008.In 1995, Libya accounted for its past support of the IRA to the satisfaction of the then Government. On all subsequent occasions this matter has been discussed, Libya has stressed that they believe the matter is firmly closed. It is the Government's considered assessment therefore that Libya would not be prepared to discuss a bilateral settlement of these cases.We will however continue to monitor the Libyan position on this issue.

Secondary information