LIBYA: EXTENSION OF IEEPA SANCTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 000217 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2014 TAGS: ETRD KNNP LY MNUC PARM PREL PTER TU SUBJECT: LIBYA: EXTENSION OF IEEPA SANCTIONS REF: SECSTATE 4567 (U) Classified by Economic Counselor Scot Marciel: reasons 1.4(b),(d). ¶1. (C) Econoff delivered reftel points concerning extension of Libya sanctions to Kemal Tuzun, MFA's head of department for the Middle East and North Africa, on January 12. Tuzun stated that the GOT welcomed recent positive steps taken by Libya in a number of areas, especially the commitment to eliminate WMD programs. Turkey believes other states should encourage the GOL to continue on the path of integration with the international community. Tuzun offered no comment on U.S. sanctions. ¶2. (SBU) MFA said that Turkey is eager to boost trade with Libya. Tuzun said that two-way trade amounted to USD 970 million (of which USD 750 was exports from Libya) in 2002, and had already reached that level in the first nine months of 2003. A Joint Economic Committee meeting will be held later this year. EDELMAN