An Israeli delegation is expected to visit Libya with the aim of reaching a mutual understanding on the signing of a peace agreement, according to the Kuwaiti A-Siyasa newspaper Tuesday.
European diplomatic sources said Monday that senior Libyan and Israeli officials met in Vienna last Friday in the presence of an American diplomat from the Vienna embassy, and agreed that a joint Israeli delegation consisting of officials from the foreign ministry, defense department and Mossad will pay a visit to Tripoli in the second half of this month, with the goal of discussing the end of relations of hostility between the Libyans and Israelis and building normal ties between both countries.
Moreover, the sources told the newspaper that Kadhafi's son, Saif al Islam and the head of intelligence, Moussa Kousa have met Israeli officials more than once in Geneva and London during August and November this year with the help of Qatar's mediation.
Meanwhile, in comments published Tuesday, Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi is quoted as saying he is ready to compensate Libyan Jews whose properties were confiscated. He also said he is prepared to allow Libyans to travel to Israel, according to Arab press reports.
Speaking to members of the Popular Committe for Public Security and Justice, Kadhafi denied the existence of political prisoners in Libyan jails. He offered any international body for human rights access to Libyan prisons in order to verify this issue.
"There is no opposition in Libya...if a citizen has an opposed opinion, he can express it freely via popular conferences," the Libyan ruler was quoted as saying.
In addition, Kadhafi stressed that Tripoli's doors are open to everyone who wants to travel or emigrate to other countries, even to Israel.
He called to compensate those that lost their assets and money during the early stages of the revolution. Kadhafi rose to power after the 1969 Socialist Revolution. He said the state must try those who gained control of other people's properties in the name of the revolution.
In the meantime, the Israeli Prime Minister's office on Tuesday down played the various reports that claimed Tel Aviv had initiated diplomatic talks with Tripoli. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
