US lifts most sanctions on Libya

 

WASHINGTON: The United States said Friday it was lifting most US sanctions against Libya to recognize the country s political transition, but kept assets of former strongman Moamer Kadhafi s family frozen.The move followed similar action by the United Nations Security Council as the world seeks to help the fledgling new government in Libya develop in what Washington has called a 'responsible' manner.'Today, after careful consultation with the new Libyan government, the United States rolled back most US sanctions on the Government of Libya to keep our commitment to the Libyan people,' the White House said in a statement.The move unlocks all Libyan government and central bank assets within US jurisdiction but keeps assets of Kadhafi and his family frozen.'These measures, along with the steps taken today by the United Nations Security Council, will allow the Libyan government to access most of its worldwide holdings,' the White House said.The Obama administration said it was also helping Libya with technical steps required to make the freed assets available as quickly as