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TEXT OF JULY 1999 JOINT STATEMENT

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GREAT SOCIALIST PEOPLE’S LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA

The United Kingdom and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya have held discussions on a range of bilateral issues of mutual concern, following developments in the Lockerbie case and the Security Council’s suspension of sanctions.

One of these was the case of WPC Fletcher, who was killed outside the Libyan People’s Bureau in London in 1984, while carrying out her duties to protect the Bureau during a hostile demonstration. The Jamahiriya took note of the inquest conducted at the time, which found that WPC Fletcher had been killed by a bullet fired from the LPB. They accepted general responsibility for the actions of those within the LPB and they agreed to participate in and cooperate with the continuing British Police investigation and to accept its outcome. They expressed deep regret to the family of WPC Fletcher for what had occurred and offered to make an appropriate payment to them in compensation now, through the social fund of the Libyan Police Association, even if the killing were unintentional. On this basis, the British government and the Jamahiriya agreed that the case of WPC Fletcher should no longer be considered a political issue between them, or an obstacle to good relations.

The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya condemned terrorism, pledged to cooperate in the international fight against it and expressed concern at the acts of terrorism directed against the people of Libyan for which it believed extremists resident in the UK were responsible. The British government reiterated its condemnation of terrorism wherever it occurs. It underlined its readiness to cooperate by investigating thoroughly allegations brought to its attention of terrorist related activity within the United Kingdom, and to take action in accordance with the law.

Both sides undertook that their authorities would cooperate with their opposite numbers in outstanding police investigations.

Following the prolonged breach in their relations, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and their deep sympathy with the families of all those who had fallen victim to terrorism and all forms of violence in the intervening years, in Libya and the United Kingdom.

Recognising the longstanding links between their two peoples, they have decided to restore full diplomatic relations with immediate effect, putting aside the negatives of the past. They look forward to the development of a full range of contacts and cooperation between the two countries, and their authorities and peoples.

LONDON, 7 JULY 1999