Libya signs nuclear research deal with France - Yahoo! News

TRIPOLI (AFP) - Libya and France signed an accord on peaceful nuclear research, the first deal of its kind since Moamer Kadhafi abandoned efforts to build weapons of mass destruction in 2003.

This accord represents a qualitative leap in relations between the two countries and proves that Libya has transformed its weapons of mass destruction into constructive weapons," Public Works Minister Maatuk Maatuk said at the signing ceremony.

"Libya is reaping the benefit of its decision to get rid of WMDS. We hope this accord will enable us to develop cooperation (with other countries) on peaceful programmes," he added.

"We are telling the world that we are moving towards the development of Libyan nuclear technology for peaceful purposes."

In a dramatic diplomatic move in December 2003, Kadhafi announced that Libya was giving up efforts to build nuclear, chemical and biological weapons after months of secret negotiations with Britain and the United States.

Since the former pariah state returned to the international fold, Western leaders have visited Kadhafi in order to stake out their place in the country's newly-opened economy.

French President Jacques Chirac visited in November 2004 after Libya agreed in January of that year to pay compensation over the downing in 1989 of a French airliner over Niger.

Libya, which also agreed a compensation package for victims of the 1988 Lockerbie airliner bombing, has never admitted responsibility for either incident.

During Chirac's visit Kadhafi said he hoped the transfer of technology would permit the oil-rich nation to develop a nuclear programme for peaceful means.

On that occasion Chirac -- the first French head of state to visit Tripoli since Libyan independence from Italy in 1951 -- vowed to forge a "true partnership" with Libya.

In Febrary last year, France and Libya renewed their cooperation on defence issues, which had been suspended since the 1980s when Tripoli invaded Chad.

French companies are also involved in exploring for oil in the North African desert country.

Libya's proven oil reserves are estimated at 36 billion barrels according to figures from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC), but rights for prospecting have been granted for only a quarter of the country.

Alain Bugat of France's atomic energy commission said at the signing ceremony that Paris was able to sign the protocol after Libya's "couragous decision" to give up WMDS, saying it was an example for others to follow.

The deal comes as the international community is pushing Iran to halt sensitive nuclear work, which the United States claims is a cover for efforts to build an atomic bomb.

The protocol covers research and use of nuclear technology in medical and agricultural fields, among others.