Victims' group calls for Libyan investment
Monday, 2 November 2009 22:05A delegation representing IRA victims has said Libya should make a substantial investment in Northern Ireland's economy to make amends for arming the IRA.
The group of politicians believes the aid will boost peace and reconciliation for all those affected republican violence.
Victims have sought compensation from Tripoli after it boosted the IRA with tonnes of the explosive Semtex, as well as thousands of rifles, small arms and flame throwers.
DUP MPs Jeffrey Donaldson and Nigel Dodds said they were welcomed with great courtesy.
'This has been a constructive and positive first direct engagement with the Libyan authorities,' they said.
'It constitutes a major milestone in our campaign on behalf of all those who have suffered because of Libyan involvement in helping IRA terrorism.'
They met Abdulati al-Obidi, Secretary for European Affairs, Ali Shamekh, Secretary of the General People's Congress and Tripoli mayor Dr Ali Reeh among others.
The team presented a proposal that called for substantial business and infrastructure investment, which would help create community development projects.
Mr Donaldson and Mr Dodds added: 'We emphasised the great importance of the proposal as a new and innovative means of giving such closure to the past and providing a firm foundation for future progress in Northern Ireland.'
The two men added that the Libyan authorities are ready to consider further details of the proposals, which will be sent to them this week.
'We have come a long way so far but this remains a work in progress and we do not expect an immediate result.'
