Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Thursday, 21 October 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of Italy's proposals to lift the EU Arms Embargo on Libya.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Italy's proposals to lift the EU arms embargo on Libya. [192047] Mr. MacShane: Libya's dismantlement of its declared weapons of mass destruction programmes and formal acceptance of responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing are welcome developments. The Government supported the European Union (EU) Presidency's proposed conclusions on Libya, that were adopted by the Council on 11 October, on lifting the EU arms embargo and repealing remaining EU sanctions. The Government believe lifting the embargo sends an important signal to Libya, and other states, that there is a route back into the international community, and will open the way for the further development of EU-Libya relations.

Secondary information