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01/09/2009
Libya Hints At Gun-Running Compensation
Long-awaited recognition of Tripoli's involvement in IRA terrorism has moved a step closer.
At the same time as the Scottish Government prepared to publish documents it says justify the decision to release the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing (pictured) on compassionate grounds, Libya is believed to be in talks with the UK Government about a potential compensation deal for victims of Tripoli-backed IRA terrorism.
The announcement was made by a senior official in Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's government on Monday night.
Hundreds of relatives are involved in a multi-million damages claim against the Libyan leader for his country's role in providing arms and explosives to republican terrorists during the Troubles.
Their calls for justice intensified after the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi from a Scottish jail on compassionate grounds.
Yesterday, Tripoli hinted that they may be willing to consider a payout in recognition of their role in arming the IRA.
Libya's Secretary for International Co-operation Mohammed Siala told British media that the issue of compensation had been discussed with London.
"It is a special case. We have a good understanding with the UK," he said.
After Lockerbie bomber Megrahi was released following his diagnosis with terminal cancer, families of IRA victims called on Colonel Gaddafi to show the same compassion and settle their claim.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson had planned to meet the Foreign Office on Thursday regarding ongoing litigation against Gaddafi on behalf of IRA victims, along with Labour MP Andrew McKinley.
"We remain hopeful that a settlement can be reached but we will need something more definitive from the Libyan government than hints of progress," said Mr Donaldson.
"It is clear that Gordon Brown has come under substantial pressure since the release of the Lockerbie bomber; he should be pressing for compensation for victims of the IRA who were murdered with Libyan support."
See: 'Compensate IRA Victims': Donaldson
(BMcC/GK)
At the same time as the Scottish Government prepared to publish documents it says justify the decision to release the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing (pictured) on compassionate grounds, Libya is believed to be in talks with the UK Government about a potential compensation deal for victims of Tripoli-backed IRA terrorism.
The announcement was made by a senior official in Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's government on Monday night.
Hundreds of relatives are involved in a multi-million damages claim against the Libyan leader for his country's role in providing arms and explosives to republican terrorists during the Troubles.
Their calls for justice intensified after the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi from a Scottish jail on compassionate grounds.
Yesterday, Tripoli hinted that they may be willing to consider a payout in recognition of their role in arming the IRA.
Libya's Secretary for International Co-operation Mohammed Siala told British media that the issue of compensation had been discussed with London.
"It is a special case. We have a good understanding with the UK," he said.
After Lockerbie bomber Megrahi was released following his diagnosis with terminal cancer, families of IRA victims called on Colonel Gaddafi to show the same compassion and settle their claim.
DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson had planned to meet the Foreign Office on Thursday regarding ongoing litigation against Gaddafi on behalf of IRA victims, along with Labour MP Andrew McKinley.
"We remain hopeful that a settlement can be reached but we will need something more definitive from the Libyan government than hints of progress," said Mr Donaldson.
"It is clear that Gordon Brown has come under substantial pressure since the release of the Lockerbie bomber; he should be pressing for compensation for victims of the IRA who were murdered with Libyan support."
See: 'Compensate IRA Victims': Donaldson
(BMcC/GK)
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13 April 2011
Doubts Over 'Libyan IRA Atrocities Deal'
An NI pressure group acting for victims of the Troubles has welcomed news that strife-torn Libya has agreed a deal for victims to be compensated for multiple atrocities carried out by the IRA throughout the UK.
Doubts Over 'Libyan IRA Atrocities Deal'
An NI pressure group acting for victims of the Troubles has welcomed news that strife-torn Libya has agreed a deal for victims to be compensated for multiple atrocities carried out by the IRA throughout the UK.
14 September 2009
Libyan Arms Gets Stormont Debate
Politicians will revisit some of the Troubles' worst times today. A DUP motion is seeking cross-party support to pressure the Westminster Government to increase diplomatic pressure on Libya over arms and cash sent to the IRA. Sinn Féin will have to make a decision on support for a compensation claim by victims against the Libyan state.
Libyan Arms Gets Stormont Debate
Politicians will revisit some of the Troubles' worst times today. A DUP motion is seeking cross-party support to pressure the Westminster Government to increase diplomatic pressure on Libya over arms and cash sent to the IRA. Sinn Féin will have to make a decision on support for a compensation claim by victims against the Libyan state.
26 August 2002
Omagh bomb compensation procedure slammed
Relatives of the victims of the Omagh bomb and those injured in the atrocity have hit out at the compensation procedure, with some calling it "appalling" and "humiliating". It has been revealed that some families of those killed by the Real IRA bomb on August 15 1998 have been offered as little as £7,500 in compensation for their loss.
Omagh bomb compensation procedure slammed
Relatives of the victims of the Omagh bomb and those injured in the atrocity have hit out at the compensation procedure, with some calling it "appalling" and "humiliating". It has been revealed that some families of those killed by the Real IRA bomb on August 15 1998 have been offered as little as £7,500 in compensation for their loss.
25 August 2009
'Compensate IRA Victims': Donaldson
Libya's government should pay for backing the IRA during the Troubles. A local politician has called on the Libyan leader to "show the same compassion as the Scottish government" towards the families of IRA victims. Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured) said he hopes to travel to Libya with some relatives this autumn.
'Compensate IRA Victims': Donaldson
Libya's government should pay for backing the IRA during the Troubles. A local politician has called on the Libyan leader to "show the same compassion as the Scottish government" towards the families of IRA victims. Democratic Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured) said he hopes to travel to Libya with some relatives this autumn.
04 September 2009
'Victims' Wing It To Scotland
The contentious issue of dealing with the NI Troubles' legacy is to be discussed - across the Irish Sea. A Scottish hotel has been chosen for a meeting of almost 30 victims and relatives of those hurt in the Troubles to discuss the needs of those affected during decades of violence.
'Victims' Wing It To Scotland
The contentious issue of dealing with the NI Troubles' legacy is to be discussed - across the Irish Sea. A Scottish hotel has been chosen for a meeting of almost 30 victims and relatives of those hurt in the Troubles to discuss the needs of those affected during decades of violence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
