Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said:

'I very much welcome today's vote by the UN Security Council to lift sanctions against Libya. This is a result of Libya doing what the Security Council has demanded: accept responsibility for the horrendous Lockerbie bombing in 1988, the worst terrorist incident on UK territory; renounce terrorism; pay compensation; and undertake to co-operate with any future Lockerbie investigation.

'Libya's decision to comply with these demands is the result of patient but firm diplomacy based on some clear points of principle. It demonstrates that terrorists will be brought to justice. It shows that it is possible to resolve serious issues through commitment, dialogue and co-operation.

'For all the above reasons we sponsored and supported the resolution to lift sanctions on Libya. The fact that those sanctions have now been lifted marks a new and welcome chapter in Libya's relationship with the international community based on co-operation, not confrontation, and based on a continuing commitment by Libya to abide by the undertakings it has given to the UN.

'I know that today's settlement cannot in any way make up for the terrible personal losses suffered by the relatives of those who were killed. But I hope that it will bring some comfort for the pain they have endured.'

Notes for Editors

 

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