| Firms to sign deals with libya { March 28 2004 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3576211.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3576211.stm
Last Updated: Sunday, 28 March, 2004, 10:53 GMT 11:53 UK
Firms 'to sign deals with Libya' British firms are to sign further significant deals with Libya in coming weeks, the trade secretary has said. Patricia Hewitt told GMTV's Sunday Programme trading in oil, education, health and tourism could help underpin co-operation against terrorism.
She also said human rights improvements were "more likely" after Tony Blair's meeting with Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
Britain's Trade Minister Mike O'Brien will be visiting Tripoli next month, she added.
Pariah
The north African country was a pariah for decades because of its involvement in atrocities such as the Lockerbie bombing, murder of police officer Yvonne Fletcher and supply of arms to the IRA.
We know from our own history in Europe that countries that trade together don't generally fight against each other Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt Mr Blair's visit coincided with announcements that British police investigating the 1984 shooting of Pc Fletcher will visit Libya next month, and that Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell is signing a multi-million pound deal with the country.
Ms Hewitt said it was "better for our world and better for British security to have Libya co-operating with us", passing on intelligence about terrorism and helping in the investigation of the murder of Pc Fletcher.
"We know from our own history in Europe that countries that trade together don't generally fight against each other."
But Ms Hewitt acknowledged that oil was important, adding that in the next decade or so Britain was going to become an importer of gas and then of oil.
Speaking of Mr O'Brien forthcoming visit, she said: "He'll take some businessmen with him and there are all kinds of opportunities for trade between Libya and Britain - not least in areas like health and education and tourism," she said.
The British Council is planning to open an office in Libya to develop cultural and educational links.
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