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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| US-Libya compensation deal sealed | US-Libya compensation deal sealed |
| (about 6 hours later) | |
| The US and Libya are set to renew diplomatic relations after signing a deal to compensate all victims of bombings involving the two countries. | The US and Libya are set to renew diplomatic relations after signing a deal to compensate all victims of bombings involving the two countries. |
| The agreement says Libya will fully compensate victims of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, and of the bombing of a Berlin disco two years earlier. | The agreement says Libya will fully compensate victims of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, and of the bombing of a Berlin disco two years earlier. |
| In its turn, the US will compensate victims of attacks on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and Benghazi in 1986. | In its turn, the US will compensate victims of attacks on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and Benghazi in 1986. |
| The deal was signed in Tripoli by US and Libyan officials. | The deal was signed in Tripoli by US and Libyan officials. |
| David Welch, US assistant secretary of state and Washington's top Middle East diplomat, met Ahmed al-Fatroui, head of America affairs, in Libya's foreign ministry to seal the agreement. | David Welch, US assistant secretary of state and Washington's top Middle East diplomat, met Ahmed al-Fatroui, head of America affairs, in Libya's foreign ministry to seal the agreement. |
| When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations David WelchUS assistant secretary of state | When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations David WelchUS assistant secretary of state |
| Mr Fatroui told reporters it was "the crowning of a long process of exhausting negotiations". | Mr Fatroui told reporters it was "the crowning of a long process of exhausting negotiations". |
| Mr Welch said it was a very important agreement that "turns a new page in our relationship". | Mr Welch said it was a very important agreement that "turns a new page in our relationship". |
| "Under this agreement each country's citizens can receive fair compensation for past incidents. When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations," he said. | "Under this agreement each country's citizens can receive fair compensation for past incidents. When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations," he said. |
| Libyan state media said US President George W Bush had sent a message to the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, saying he hoped relations between the two countries would continue to improve. | Libyan state media said US President George W Bush had sent a message to the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, saying he hoped relations between the two countries would continue to improve. |
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| Some of the incidents the compensattion deal covers | |
| The deal paves the way for a full restoration of relations, including the opening of a US embassy in Tripoli and direct US aid. | The deal paves the way for a full restoration of relations, including the opening of a US embassy in Tripoli and direct US aid. |
| In all, there were 26 lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya and three by Libyan citizens against the US. | In all, there were 26 lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya and three by Libyan citizens against the US. |
| The 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killed 270 people and the 1986 bombing of a Berlin disco killed three people and wounded more than 200. | The 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killed 270 people and the 1986 bombing of a Berlin disco killed three people and wounded more than 200. |
| Libya says at least 40 people died in the US air strikes. | Libya says at least 40 people died in the US air strikes. |