US lifts some defence bans on Libya
Reuters, Washington
President George W. Bush on Wednesday waived some defence export restrictions on Libya to allow US companies to participate in destroying Tripoli's chemical weapons and to refurbish eight transport planes. It was another step in improving ties after Libya decided in December 2003 to abandon its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programmes. In a memorandum to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Bush said he was waiving some restrictions under the US Arms Export Control Act because it was in the national security interest of the United States. The law restricts defence exports to Libya because the State Department has designated it a state sponsor of terrorism. Bush waived defence export restrictions "to permit US companies to possibly participate in Libya's programme to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile," a White House National Security Council spokesman said.
| 
