Clinton in Libya to offer new aid
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 18 October 2011 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Clinton in Libya to offer new aid, 18 October 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4eaaa81423.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 18, 2011
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made an unannounced visit to Tripoli aimed at forging stronger ties with Libya's new authorities.
Clinton is the most senior U.S. official to visit Libya since the uprising against Muammar Qaddafi began in February.
Clinton offered increased support for Libya's new leaders, pledging millions of dollars in aid, including an additional $40 million in aid for "helping Libya secure and destroy dangerous stockpiles of weapons."
Besides assisting the effort to track down and destroy Qaddafi-era weaponry, U.S. officials had earlier indicated that Clinton would also introduce a set of new programs designed to foster stronger U.S.-Libyan ties, including U.S. help for treating fighters wounded in the uprising and student exchange programs.
Clinton's visit on October 18 comes as Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) seeks to crush the last pockets of resistance by Qaddafi loyalists in the desert town of Bani Walid and in Sirte, Qaddafi's hometown.
NTC forces commanders said on October 17 that they captured most of Bani Walid and, on October 18, they launched another major assault on Sirte.
Also on October 18, German oil and gas producer Wintershall said it has resumed oil production in Libya following an eight-month suspension due to the fighting.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website