SWITZERLAND: SON OF LIBYAN LEADER MUAMMAR GADDAFI SAYS COMPENSATION TALKS WITH FRANCE FOR VICTIMS OF BOMBING OF FRENCH UTA PLANE HAVE STOPPED

Record ID: 648088

  • Title: SWITZERLAND: SON OF LIBYAN LEADER MUAMMAR GADDAFI SAYS COMPENSATION TALKS WITH FRANCE FOR VICTIMS OF BOMBING OF FRENCH UTA PLANE HAVE STOPPED
  • Date: 22nd October 2003
  • Summary: (W5) GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (OCTOBER 20, 2003)(REUTERS) 1. SLV EXTERIOR OF PLACE WHERE PAINTING EXHIBITION IS TAKING PLACE 0.04 2. MV LIBYAN LEADER MUAMMAR GADDAFI'S SON SAIF AL-ISLAM, CHIEF LIBYAN NEGOTIATOR IN COMPENSATION TALKS WITH FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF THE 1989 UTA PLANE BOMBING WALKING AROUND PAINTINGS; SCU PAINTING BELLA ROSA SAIF AL-ISLAM (2 SHOTS) 0.25 3. SAIF AL-ISLAM, (ENGLISH) SAYING "The situation is that we stopped everything now. First we suspended the negotiation and then we stopped because we faced a deadlock. The French denied all commitments and therefore we, ask the foundation, we are the witness of that commitment between Libya and France. We have to report any violation of any commitment therefore we reported a violation, the French were angry with us, and they denied that's why we stopped. We will not resume negotiations without acceptance of that commitment. They should accept the commitment or no negotiations anymore. The positive thing is that now we have a good understanding with the representatives of the families of victims because they understand us, they are not angry and they say we did the best. This is the situation, I cannot change it, I am trying to help, I understand everything but I am sorry this is the decision of my government." 1.50 4. SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) SAIF AL-ISLAM, SAYING "The French should be flexible and should say yes, there's something between the French and the Libyans and we are ready to re-negotiate with them. Like this we can do something but if they deny completely the whole commitment, this is a pity." 2.13 5. MV SAIF AL-ISLAM WALKING AROUND PAINTINGS 2.19 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 6th November 2003 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
  • Country: Switzerland
  • Reuters ID: LVA2S759DIHTMKGHUDUH5G1I179
  • Story Text: The son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has said
    compensation talks with France for victims of the bombing
    of a French UTA plane have stopped.

    Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son said in an
    interview to be published on Friday (October 24, 2003) there
    would be no further payout for victims of the 1989 bombing
    of a French UTA plane without Libya getting something in
    exchange and discussions now were at a crisis point.

    "The French should be flexible and should say yes, there's
    something between the French and the Libyans and we are
    ready to re-negotiate with them but if they deny completely the
    whole commitment, this is a pity," he said
    Saif al-Islam, chief Libyan negotiator in compensation
    talks with the families of the 170 bombing victims was is
    in Geneva to present a painting exhibition.


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