Blair: 'Common cause' exists with Libya

Blair: 'Common cause' exists with Libya

The Prime Minister has spoken of the 'common cause' between the western and Arab worlds in the fight against al-Queda extremism and terrorism.

Following talks with Colonel Gaddafi in Tripoli, Libya, Mr Blair said he was struck by the leader's insistence that Libya's future is best secured by a new relationship with the outside world.

Mr Blair praised Libya's "full and transparent cooperation" with various international agencies in dismantling its banned weapons programmes.

"Libya's voluntary and open implementation of that decision gives us real hope that we can build a new relationship with it, one for the modern world," he said.

"In reaching out the hand of partnership today, we do not forget the past, but we do try in the light of the genuine changes happening to move beyond it.

"If we can show nations with dangerous nuclear, or chemical, or biological weapons programmes that they can give them up voluntarily and be then met with a serious and considered response, it will offer us and them a way forward from the enmity of the past that will improve the lives and security of us all."

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