Libya is in talks with the UK government about a potential compensation deal for victims of Tripoli-backed IRA terrorism, a senior Libyan government official revealed last night
Lawyers for relatives of the 141 people killed by IRA action between 1983 and 1996 have already begun civil proceedings against Colonel Muammar Gadafy's government for Libya’s role in the terrorist campaign.
They blame Libyan authorities for supplying Semtex explosives and other weapons to the Provisional IRA.
Their calls for justice intensified after the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbasset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi from a Scottish jail on compassionate grounds.
Now for the first time the authorities in Tripoli have hinted that they may be willing to consider a pay out in recognition for their role in arming the IRA.
In a rare interview, Libya's Secretary for International Co-operation Mohammed Siala told Britain's Independentnewspaper that the issue of compensation had been discussed with London.
When asked about the Libyan position regarding the claim, he said: “It is a special case. We have a good understanding with the UK.”
However, Mr Siala said no firm agreement had been reached. “Things have not matured yet,” he told the paper.
After Megrahi was released following his diagnosis with terminal cancer, families of IRA victims called on Colonel Gadafy’s government to show the same compassion and settle their claim.
Colin Parry, whose 12-year-old son Tim was killed in the IRA bombing in Warrington in 1993, said the move should be reciprocated by Libya with an acknowledgement of past wrongs.
“We see Libya rejoicing over the return of Al Megrahi and the Scottish government was, in my opinion, right to show compassion to a dying man,” he said last week.
“But I think it’s now time for Libya to acknowledge the pain and suffering they inflicted by supporting the IRA and show the same compassion to its victims.”
Mr Parry also called on the British government to back the families’ court bid against Col Gadafy.
PA