---

Libyan State-sponsored Terrorism

We have taken action on behalf of UK citizens. A claim was made about the Italian Government, but actually the Italian Government compensated Libya—not the other way round—for past colonial actions. I wish to make it absolutely clear, however, that in reaching this position the Government in no way, shape or form condone Libya's past sponsorship of IRA terrorism, nor—this is crucial—underestimate the suffering caused by IRA atrocities during the troubles. However—this touches on the key point that the hon. Member for Belfast, North raised—it is correct that in addition to the US, France secured a compensation agreement for victims of the bombing of the Union des Transports Aériens flight in 1989, although the circumstances were much more analogous to the Lockerbie bombing than to IRA-supported terrorism.