Britain, France seek to unfreeze Libyan assets
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 August 2011 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Britain, France seek to unfreeze Libyan assets, 24 August 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e5cdbef7.html [accessed 21 May 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. |
August 24, 2011
U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague
France and Britain are working to unfreeze Libyan assets blocked by UN Security Council sanctions.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said that Britain was "engaged at the United Nations and elsewhere to pave the way for the unfreezing of assets."
France also confirmed it was seeking a UN resolution to do so.
The two countries want to unfreeze billions of dollars in Libyan assets as quickly as possible to help rebuild the economy, restore essential services, reform the police and the army, and help the rebels form a government after they overthrow Muammar Qaddafi.
"As a tyrant in Libya, Muammar Qaddafi used the resources of his country to perpetrate horrible terrorist acts against Americans and people around the world," White House deputy spokesman Josh Earnest said on August 24.
"So I think there is a pretty tangible interest that we have in supporting the Libyan people as they put in place the kind of government that will support freedom, that will support democracy, that will allow them to be a constructive member of the international community."
The UN Security Council froze Libyan assets after Qaddafi cracked down on protests in February.
compiled from agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
