Mr Abdulati al-Obidi, Secretary for European Affairs and the man appointed by Colonel Gadaffi to deal with this matter     

Mr Ali Shamekh, Secretary of the General People’s Congress (equivalent to the Head of State)

Mr Suleiman Shahoumi, Secretary for External Affairs, General People’s Congress          

Dr Ali Reeh, Secretary of Tripoli Municipality (Mayor)

We were welcomed by the above and the Libyan people with great courtesy and firm expressions of friendship and a desire to develop co-operation between the UK and Libya in respect to the purpose of our trip.  Speaking on their return to London Jeffrey Donaldson and Nigel Dodds said: 

“This has been a constructive and positive first direct engagement with the Libyan authorities.  It constitutes a major milestone in our campaign on behalf of all those who have suffered because of Libyan involvement in helping IRA terrorism.

We presented a proposal that Libya participate in a humanitarian programme for peace and reconciliation for the benefit of all affected in the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern Ireland, including:      

- substantial business and infrastructure investment;     

- wide ranging community development projects        

- bringing closure for those who have suffered in the past, including resolution of existing claims by UK citizens involving Libya.

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 Libyan authorities are ready to consider further details of the proposals, which we will be sending to them this week.  We anticipate further contact with them after that. 

We have come a long way so far but this remains a work in progress and we do not expect an immediate result.

The Libyan authorities were told of the community and cross party support for the proposal within the UK; of support from influential Irish Americans; and the desire for US involvement. 

By agreeing to participate, Libya and its Leader, Colonel Gaddafi, would confirm a new and very important role for Libya in international relations and on the humanitarian world stage. 

This visit has been a productive first step.  We are most grateful to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the British Embassy in Tripoli, for all their help facilitating these contacts.” 

Those who participated on the delegation were: 

Nigel Dodds M.P

Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson M.P.

Lord Daniel Brennan

Andrew MacKinlay MP

Lord Paul Bew

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