19
TRIPOLI — Libya and the United States have signed a deal settling all outstanding terror-related lawsuits between the two nations, clearing the way for the restoration of full diplomatic relations.
The deal Thursday covers 26 lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya and three by Libyan citizens against the U.S. The 1980s-era terror cases, in particular, have clouded a deal that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi struck to give up weapons of mass destruction in return for improved relations with the United States.
The deal paves the way for a full restoration of relations, the opening of a U.S. embassy and a visit by the U.S. secretary of state before the end of the year. It also gives immunity to the Libyan government against any further terror-related lawsuits.
