This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

January 2004
Teams of British and American weapons experts enter Libya to assist in planning the destruction of tons of mustard agent manufactured in Libya for use in chemical warheads. U.S. officials report that Libya has already begun destroying chemical shells.
—Patrick E. Tyler, "British and U.S. Experts Return to Dismantle Libya Arms Program, New York Times, 20 January 2004, <http://www.iht.com>; Carla Anne Robbins, "U.S. Military Flies Large Cargo of Nuclear Gear Out of Libya," Wall Street Journal, 28 January 2004, <http://www.wsj.com>.

3 January 2004
The United States renews sanctions imposed on Libya in 1989, calling for the Libyan government to pursue concrete actions to follow its pledge to renounce weapons of mass destruction.
—"How Khadafi Brought Libya Back Into the International Fold," Agence France Presse, 27 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 January 2004
Libya deposits instruments of accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention with the Secretary General of the United Nations.
—"Iran, Libya, and Pakistan's Nuclear Supermarket," Disarmament Diplomacy, No. 75, (January/February 2004), <http://www.acronym.org.uk/dd/dd75/75news02.htm>.

5 February 2004
The Chemical Weapons Convention enters into force in Libya as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) collaborates with the Libyan Government to facilitate the country's compliance with the Convention. The General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, H.E. Abd al-Rahman Shalgam, remarks in a meeting with OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter that "Libya is committed to the full and effective implementation of the Convention on Libyan territory. Libya intends to comply with this Convention in the spirit of complete transparency."
—"OPCW Team Visits Libya," OPCW Technical Secretariat, 5 February 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/press_releases/2k4/PR4_2004.html>.

11 February 2004
In an address at the National Defense University, U.S. President George W. Bush emphasizes the importance of containing weapons of mass destruction expertise from Libya and Iraq. President Bush also declares his administration's intention to redirect Libyan weapons scientists to peaceful employment.
—Remarks by U.S. President George Bush on Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation at Fort Lesley J. McNair - National Defense University, "President Announces New Measures to Counter the Threat of WMD," Washington, D.C., 11 February 2004, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/02/print/20040211-4.html>.

20 February 2004
OPCW receives from the Libyan Government a partial declaration of the country's chemical weapons stockpiles.
—Libya Completes the First Phase of Chemical Weapons Destruction, Press Release #7 Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 4 March 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/press_releases/2k4/PR7_2004.html>.

27 February-3 March 2004
OPCW inspectors verify and monitor the destruction process of Libya's chemical weapons equipment, which includes crushing by bulldozer 3,300 aerial bombs designed to deliver chemical agents.
—Libya Completes the First Phase of Chemical Weapons Destruction, Press Release #7 Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 4 March 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/press_releases/2k4/PR7_2004.html>.

5 March 2004
Libya sumits its initial complete declaration under the terms of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The declaration reports that Libya possesses approximately 23 metric tons of mustard gas, 1,300 metric tons of nerve gas precursor chemicals, an inactivated chemical weapons production facility, and two chemical weapons storage facilities.
—Libya Submits Initial Chemical Weapons Declaration, Press Release #8, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 5 March 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/news_frameset.html>.

10 March 2004
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance Paula DeSutter confirms that officials from the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Nonproliferation were in Libya to conduct a study of Libya's needs for scientific redirection. <
—Paula A. DeSutter, Assistant Secretary for Verification and Compliance, "Weapons of Mass Destruction, Terrorism, Human Rights and the Future of U.S.-Libyan Relations," Testimony Before the House International Relations Committee, Washington, DC, 10 March 2004, <http://www.state.gov/t/vc/rls/rm/2004/30347.htm>.

19 March 2004
Inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) complete their initial inspection of Libya's chemical weapons stockpiles. They report having found more than 20 tons of mustard gas and enough material to produce thousands of tons of Sarin nerve gas. They also report having witnessed the destruction of 3,500 empty aerial bombs built for the delivery of chemical payloads.
—Initial Inspection in Libya Completed, Press Release #10, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 22 March 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/news_frameset.html>; "Inspectors Verify Libya's Weapons Stash," Associated Press, 22 March 2004, <http://ajc.com>.

23 March 2004
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns meets with Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi and Libyan officials in Tripoli on the future of U.S.-Libyan relations. Secretary Burns reiterates U.S. willingness to continue assisting Libya in fulfilling its commitments to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction.
—"State Dept. Official Releases Statement Regarding U.S.-Libyan Relations," States News Service, 23 March 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

In remarks at the Hague to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Eric M. Javits announces U.S. support for a Libyan proposed plan to convert its former chemical weapons production facility at Rabta to produce low cost pharmaceuticals, "provided that it is done within the legal framework of the Convention and in a manner that is transparent to all State Parties."
—Eric M. Javits, Remarks to the Executive Council of the OPCW, 23 March 2004, U.S. State Department website, <http://www.state.gov/t/ac/rls/rm/2004/31150.htm>.

23-26 March 2004
Libyan delegation attends the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council as an observer for the first time.
—OPCW 36th Executive Council Convenes, Libya Attends, Press Release #11, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 26 March 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/docs_frameset.html>.

23-26 March 2004
The Libyan government presents a general plan for the destruction of its stockpile of Category 1 chemical weapons to the thirty-sixth session of the OPCW Executive Council (EC). The EC also approves detailed plans for the verification of destruction of Category 3 chemical weapons at the Al-Jufra STO-002 chemical weapons destruction facility (CWDF) in Libya.

[Note: Category 1 chemical weapons are chemical warfare agents, whether weaponized or in bulk containers, or final stage precursor chemicals. Category 3 chemical weapons are "unfilled munitions and devices, and equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with employment of chemical weapons."]
—"36th Session of the Executive Council," Chemical Disarmament Quarterly, Vol. 2, No. 2 (June 2004), p. 17.

25 March 2004
British Prime Minister Tony Blair meets with Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi outside of Tripoli. Blair states publicly that Libya has "provided 'full and transparent cooperation' in the dismantling of its weapons of mass destruction programmes." He also announces that the Shell oil group has won a $200 million contract to explore for natural gas in Libya and that a British aerospace company is likely to provide civil aviation services to Libya.
—"Roundup: Gaddafi Gains Breakthrough with Former British Enemy, Eds: Britain Hopes for Lucrative Contracts with Libya," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 25 March 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Patrick E. Tyler, "Blair Visits Qaddafi, Ending Libya's Long Estrangement," New York Times, 26 March 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early April 2004
Responding to requests from U.S. and British officials, Libya publicly announces its intention to "convert hundreds of its Scud-B missiles into shorter-range, less powerful weapons for purely defensive purposes and end all military trade with North Korea."
—Judith Miller, "U.S. Says Libya Will Convert Missiles to Defensive Weapons," New York Times, 11 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 April 2004
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announces that Libya has confirmed its plans "to start dismantling its remaining chemical weapons stockpile" over the following months. According to OPCW rules, Libya must complete destruction of those stockpiles before April 29, 2007.
—"Libya to Dispose of Its Remaining Chemical Weapons Within Months: OPCW," Agence France Presse, 20 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

20-22 April 2004
An international meeting on the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)—sponsored by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Ethiopian government, and the African Union Commission—commends Libya for "its decision to eliminate its chemical weapons under the full OPCW verification" and urges other African states make the continent a chemical weapons free zone by signing the CWC and/or enacting national legislation to enforce it.
—African Union Calls for Chemical Weapons-Free Zone in Africa, Press Release #16, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 29 April 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html/global/docs_frameset.html>; "African States Urged to Enact Legislation Against Chemical Weapons," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 22 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "OPCW Calls For Chemical Weapons Free Zone in Africa," Xinhua News Agency, 23 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 April 2004
The United States lifts sanctions against Libya. The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act is no longer applicable to Libya and the Treasury Department modifies sanctions on U.S. firms and individuals to allow the resumption of most commercial and financial activities, though restrictions continue to apply to exports of dual-use items. In Libya, the state-owned National Oil Corporation confirms that its first shipment of oil to the United States will take place in May.
—"Statement by the Press Secretary," Financial Times Information, 23 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Edmund Blair, "Libya Ships First Crude to U.S. in 20 years," Calgary Herald, 24 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

27-28 April 2004
Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi travels to Brussels to meet with European Commission President Romano Prodi and Belgian Premier Guy Verhofstadt in pursuit of normalizing relations with European countries.
—"Qaddafi Visits Europe," Facts of File, Inc., 29 April 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 May 2004
The Libyan Foreign Ministry announces the government's decision to renounce all arms trade with countries that are not signatories to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and that "Tripoli views as favouring the proliferation of weapons of mass of destruction." Libyan officials decline to name specific countries covered by this new commitment. U.S. Undersecretary of State and Arms Control Envoy John Bolton states that Libya confirmed to U.S. and British officials that the decision will apply to trade with North Korea, Syria, and Iran.
—Afaf El-Gueblaoui, "Libya Renounces Arms Trade with WMD States," Agence France Presse, 13 May 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early June 2004
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Commerce William Lash, during a visit to Tripoli, states that shipments of Libyan oil to the United States have begun.
—Mmegi/The Reporter, "Libya Supplies U.S. With Oil Again," AllAfrica, Inc., 6 June 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 June 2004
Meeting at Sea Island, United States, the leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) countries agree to an Action Plan on Non-proliferation. Under this plan, the G8 will use the Global Partnership against Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction to coordinate G8 efforts to address proliferation challenges globally, including the retraining of Iraqi and Libyan scientists involved in past weapons of mass destruction programs.
—The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Press Release, "G-8 Action Plan on Nonproliferation," 2 June 2004, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/06/20040609-28.html>.

7 June 2004
The government of the United Kingdom releases its annual report on the application of strategic export controls in 2003. The report notes the approval of exports corrosion resistant chemical manufacturing equipment, non-military toxic chemical precursors, and toxic chemical precursors to Libya.
—United Kingdom Strategic Export Controls, Annual Report 2003, (June 2004), pp. 249-250, <http://www.fco.gov.uk/Files/kfile/Full_Report_03.pdf>

13 June 2004
A Scottish daily newspaper The Sunday Herald reports that Britain is now the "leading exporter of components of weapons of mass destruction" and that Libya previously bought chemical weapons technology from the United Kingdom.
—"UK Sells WMD Components to 'Axis of Evil' Countries," Scottish Media Newspapers Limited, 13 June 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 June 2004
The United States restores formal diplomatic ties with Libya. Assistant Secretary of State William Burns inaugurates a U.S. liaison office in Tripoli and notes that Libya will be taking steps to establish diplomatic representation in the United States.
—"U.S. and Libya Restore Direct Diplomatic Relations After 24 Years," Financial Times Information, 29 June 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 July 2004
Libyan officials officially announce plans to use the former chemical weapons facility located in a pharmaceutical factory at Rabta to produce vaccines for distribution in Africa.
—"Libya to Produce Vaccines in Former Chemical Weapons Facility," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 2 July 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 August 2004
According to Jane's Intelligence Digest, Libya's past attempts to create chemical weapons included procurement of precursor chemicals, such as pinacolyl alcohol (a precursor for soman nerve gas), from firms in Western Europe and the Far East.
—"More dual-use threats uncovered," Jane's Intelligence Digest, 20 August 2004, (Posted 18 August 2004), <http://www4.janes.com>.

1 September 2004
A State Department official announces that the United States hopes to conclude talks with the Libyan government and declare the country free of WMD by the end of September.
—"US Hopes to Conclude WMD Talks with Libya This Month," Agence France Presse, 1 September 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 September 2004
U.S. President George Bush eases minor sanctions on Libya. In a memorandum to Secretary of State Colin Powell, he writes, "I hereby determine and certify that the application of sanctions, as required by (the Arms Export Control Act), would have a serious adverse effect on vital United States interests." He encourages the Export-Import Bank to "guarantee, insure or extend credit, or participate in the extension of credit in support of United States exports to Libya."
—"Bush lifts minor sanctions on Libya," Associated Press, 10 September 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 September 2004
High-level discussions between U.S. and Libyan officials are held in London regarding the final phase of Libya's disarmament pledges.
—"Bush Prepares to Lift Sanctions Against Libya after confirming dismantling of weapons," National Post, 20 September 2004, p. A9, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 September 2004
President Bush signs an executive order that "terminates the national emergency declared in 1986 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act." This action makes possible the removal of the "remaining economic restrictions on aviation services with Libya [and]... unblocks approximately $1.3 billion in assets frozen under the Libya sanctions program belonging to both Libyan and non-Libyan entities."
—Adam Ereli, U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Daily Press Briefing, 20 September 2004, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/36323.htm>; "Statement by the Press Secretary," Financial Times Information, 20 September 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 September 2004
Both in New York for a special session of the UN General Assembly, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Libyan Foreign Minister Abdurahman Shalgam meet to discuss the two countries' continued rapprochement. U.S. officials note that the meeting "was on the highest level in decades."
—Barry Schweid, "Powell Holds Talks with Libyan Foreign Minister," Associated Press, 23 September 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 October 2004
The Council of the European Union agrees to pursue "a policy of engagement with Libya." The Council decides to "repeal the restrictive measures adopted by the EU in application of UNSCR 748(1992) and 883(1993)" and lift the arms embargo against Libya. Arms transfers "will be subject to the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports," however, as well as to a post-embargo arms transfer regime currently being developed.
—2609th Council Meeting: General Affairs and Externals Relations, Press Release C/04/276, Council of the European Union, 11 October 2004, p. 6, <http://ue.eu.int/Newsroom>.

12 October 2004
Ambassador Eric M. Javits, head of the U.S. delegation to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), urges the Executive Council to consider" the proposal by Libya, with the support of 17 other States Parties, for a technical change to the [Chemical Weapons] Convention to allow conversion of the facility at Rabta." He notes, "Libya desires to convert the Rabta chemical weapons production facility to produce low cost pharmaceuticals to treat AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis throughout the African continent and the developing world. The United States supports Libya's proposal."
—Eric M. Javits, Remarks to the Executive Council of the OPCW, 12 October 2004, U.S. State Department website, http://www.state.gov/t/ac/rls/rm/2004/37016pf.htm.

12 October 2004
Following the European Union's decision to lift its arms embargo on Libya, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State Baroness Symons travels to Tripoli for three days of meetings with the Libyan government.
—"In Brief," Financial Times Information/China News, 13 October 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 October 2004
During a visit to Tripoli by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Libyan leader Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi says that Germany and other Western states should thank him for his "services to international peace" in renouncing Libya's WMD programs. This was the first-ever trip to Libya by a post-war German Chancellor and follows the EU lifting of an arms embargo against Libya on 11 October.
—"Kadhafi Demands Thanks from West for 'Services to Peace,'" Agence France Presse, 15 October 2004, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 October 2004
The Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) recommends that State Parties adopt a change to Part V of the Verification Annex of the CWC. The proposed change would allow the conversion of the former Libyan chemical weapons production facility at Rabta "to produce low-cost vaccines and medicines for... the African continent."
—OPCW Executive Council Approves Recommendation to Allow for Conversion of Former Chemical Weapons Facility in Libya, Press release #50, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 18 October 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/html.global/press_releases/2k4/PR50_2004prt.html>.

23 November 2004
In an interview with the French newspaper, Le Figaro, Libyan leader Colonel Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi says that Libya did not receive fair compensation for deciding to give up the development of nuclear and chemical weapons. Qadhdhafi says: "to tell you the truth, we have remained a little disappointed by the reaction of Europe, the U.S. and Japan. They have not really rewarded Libya for its contribution to international peace. We are still waiting."
—T. Ország-Land, "Libya Coming in from the Cold," Jane's Islamic Affairs Analyst, 1 March 2005, <http://www4.janes.com>.

30 November 2004
At its Ninth Session, the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) grants Libya's request to convert the chemical weapons production facilities (CWPF), Rabta Pharmaceutical Factory 1 and Rabta Pharmaceutical Factory 2 (Phase II), into a pharmaceutical plant to produce low-cost vaccines and medicines to treat AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis for distribution to the African market. The CSP decision also requires that the Rabta conversions be completed no later than three years after the decision enters into force.

[Note: This decision changes Part V of the Verification Annex, removing a technical / administrative obstacle that may have acted to deter accession to the CWC. The original rule required that all conversions of CWPFs to purposes not prohibited under the Convention needed to be completed no later than six years after the Convention's entry into force (i.e., 29 April 2003). Under the new regulation, such a conversion will have to be completed as soon as possible, but in a maximum of six years, after the Convention enters into force for the State Party].
—Decision: Request by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to Use the Chemical Weapons Production Facilities Rabta Pharmaceutical Factory 1 and Rabta Pharmaceutical Factory 2 (Phase II) in Rabta, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for Purposes Not Prohibited Under the Chemical Weapons Convention C9/DEC.9, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 30 November 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/docs/csp9/c9dec09.pdf>.

30 November 2004
The Ninth Session of the OPCW CSP grants, in principle, a Libyan request for extensions of the intermediate deadlines for the destruction of its Category 1 chemical weapon stockpiles. Libya is still required to meet the final destruction deadline of 29 April 2007 and must make regular reports to the Executive Council of the OPCW detailing progress made in meeting its CW destruction obligations.

[Note: This decision addresses the situation whereby Libya acceded to the Convention and declared an existing CW stockpile subsequent to the deadlines for destruction of 1% (1999) and 20% (2002) of all stockpiles, and had not been able to meet the 45% deadline of April 2004. The destruction timetable is set out under Part IV (A) C. 17 (a) of the Verification Annex to the CWC.]
—Request by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for Extensions of the Intermediate Deadlines for the Destruction of its Category 1 Chemical Weapons Stockpiles C9/DEC.7, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, 30 November 2004, <http://www.opcw.org/docs/csp9/c9dec07.pdf>.

14 December 2004
The Executive Council of the OPCW holds its 39^th session in the Hague. A number of decisions are adopted relating to Libya's chemical weapons destruction obligations. Libya's combined plan for conversion and verification of the chemical weapons production facilities (CWPFs) Rabta Pharmaceutical Factories 1 and 2 (phase II) are approved; several facility agreements for on-site inspections at the Category 2 Al-Jufra chemical weapons destruction facility (CWDF), Ruwagha chemical weapons storage facility (CWSF), CWPF Tripoli STO-001, and for the Rabta Pharmaceutical Factories.
—The CBW Conventions Bulletin, No. 67 (March 2005), p. 6.

	Updated January 2006