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Normalizing Swiss Ties depends on Implementing Agreement – Libyan Official | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat – A high-level Libyan official has told Asharq al-Awsat that Libya will not start normalizing relations with Switzerland only after it confirms its implementation of the bilateral action agreement which was signed in Tripoli the day before yesterday under European auspices.

The official, who spoke with Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity, said that normalization of relations with Switzerland depends on what was signed and expressed his hope that Switzerland would respect its obligations. Asked about the date for resuming the export of Libyan oil to Switzerland and allowing the Swiss Airlines to resume flights to Libya, he answered: “For us, we must wait until the date of the next meeting which will be held in the Spanish capital in less than two weeks so as to know what Switzerland had done to close the page of pending disagreements.” He added: “Until we see the white line from the black one, we will not normalize relations. Libya is totally ready to resume its relations with Switzerland normally if it sees more serious steps which underline the good intentions.”

The Libyan official went on to say “the size of the Swiss market for Libyan oil is very small and not influential. But we have oil investments there like the “Time Oil” company which was not subjected to difficulties but the situation created a general concern among the investors in Switzerland.” He considered normalization of relations with Switzerland a postponed decision by the Libyan authorities until completion of the steps the two sides have agreed upon under European auspices.