24.02.2004
February 24, 2004
The Honorable Colin Powell
Department of State
Dear Secretary Powell:
Since the Libyan regime admitted to possessing programs
of weapons of mass destruction, and expressed willingness
to dismantle them, there has been some in the US administration
who advocated normalization of ties with the Libyan regime.
The American Libyan freedom Alliance (ALFA) firmly believe
that any premature rush to normalization is counter productive
to both US and Libyan interests. We believe that encouraging
democracy in Libya is in the best interest of the United
States, which is also consistent with the US stated goals
of spreading democracy in the Middle East. Frequent references
to the value of democracy and human rights would signify
America's commitment to these goals.
Furthermore, making democracy a prerequisite for good relations
with the United States is consistent with President Bush's
stated policies toward the Middle East. Ambassador Burns
reaffirmed the administration's commitment to democracy
and human rights in a previous letter to ALFA. Ambassador
Burns' letter was posted on numerous Libyan web sites, and
was viewed as a US firm commitment to democratic rule in
Libya. With the continued help and support of the US administration,
members of ALFA are uniquely qualified to play a major role
in espousing democracy in Libya, which could also become
a role model for other Arab states.
Although we believe that the Libyan regime is untrustworthy;
however, in case of any engagement, we urge the US administration
to insist on the following demands from the Libyan regime,
as evidence of good faith.
Allow the Red Cross to visit thousands of Libyan political
detainees in Gadhafi's prisons and to work toward their
immediate release,
Allow Western Human Rights groups to setup offices in Libya,
Demand that Gadhafi abolish his laws that prevent Libyans
from exercising basic political rights (right of expression,
assembly, formation of political parties and strikes are
crimes punishable by death in Libya),
Demand that Gadhafi set a date for public elections, as
Libyans have never had a public election during his thirty-four
years of rule.
Your stand on freedom in Libya, would not only raise hopes
of the Libyans, but would also convince other Arab states
that the United States can be relied upon as a credible
broker of democratic principles and values. It is our hope
that this meeting will be a prelude to other meetings and
to joint efforts in support of democracy and human rights
in Libya and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Sincerely,
Mohamed M. Bugaighis, Ph.D.
Chairman, American Libyan Freedom Alliance
2190 Pimmit Drive, Suite #207, Falls Church, VA 22043 –
USA.
|
