14 January 2006
Japanese firm, Mitutoyo Corporation, is suspected of illegally exporting three dimensional measuring tools to Scomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE) in Malaysia, China, and Thailand. Associates of the A.Q. Khan network are suspected of conducting illicit nuclear trafficking activities from SCOPE factories in Malaysia. The three dimensional measuring tools were allegedly shipped to Libya for its illicit nuclear weapons program from Malaysia and Dubai on an Iranian registered freighter.
--Steve Herman, "Head of Japanese Company Suspected of Nuclear Trafficking Denies Wrongdoing," VOA News, 14 February 2006; "N-tool took Malaysia route/MPD piecing together illegally exported device's path to Libya," Daily Yomiuri, 15 January 2006.

14 January 2006
Kazusaku Tezuka, president of Mitutoyo Corporation, denies that the Mitutoyo Corporation knowingly engaged in illicit trafficking of nuclear equipment that was found in Libya by international officials after Tripoli voluntary disbanded its WMD programs in 2004. Mr. Tezuka states that "I personally believe the intention was to handle the matter properly and there were no illegalities."
--"Japanese Firm Denies Illicit Nuclear Exports," Global Security Newswire, 14 February 2006.

27 January, 2006
The Turkish Customs Inspection Committee reports that two Turkish firms, Tekno Elektrik Sanayi and 3E Endustriyel Sanayi, engaged in illicit nuclear trafficking with Libya before its voluntary disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. A U.S. Department of Energy report states that Turkish firms supplied Libya with 6,992 centrifuge motors, 912 bottom magnets, and 19,447 ring magnets, which could have been used to produce up to seven nuclear weapons per year. Turkish officials state that the parts supplied to Libya were exported to the Gulf Technical Firm in Dubai, then to Pakistan, and then to Libya, which provides evidence of a strong link to the A.Q. Khan network.
--"They have sold materials enough for 7 nuclear weapons," Milliyet, 8 December 2005; "Two Turks Alleged to Nuclear Trafficking," Sabah, 27 January 2006.

15 February 2006
China denies involvement of illegal nuclear trafficking with Japan-based Mitutoyo Corporation. Mitutoyo Corporation is suspected of illegally exporting three dimensional measuring tools to Libya in 2002 through the Malaysian company, Scomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE), and the A.Q. Khan network. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao states that "after our inquiries, we felt that this issue had nothing to do with China."
--"China Denies Links to Suspected Nuclear Exporter," Global Security Newswire, 15 February 2006.

16 March 2006
France signs a peaceful nuclear energy accord with Libya. Maatuk Maatuk, Libya's public works minister, states "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."
--Afaf el-Geblawi, "Libya signs nuclear research deal with France," Middle East Online, 16 March 2006.

17 March 2006
The trial of Gottard Lerch, who is suspected of aiding Libya's now defunct nuclear weapons program, begins in Mannheim, Germany. Mr. Lerch is charged with violating arms and exports laws by allegedly providing gas centrifuge technology to Libya for its clandestine nuclear weapons program.
--"German on trial over Libya arms," BBC, 17 March 2006.

27 April 2006
British citizen and businessman, Peter Griffin, is named as a suspect in the A.Q. Khan network during the trial of Gottard Lerch, another suspect of nuclear trafficking in the illicit network, in Mannheim, Germany. German prosecutors allege that Mr. Griffin and his Dubai-based company, Gulf Technical Industries (GTI), were commissioned by Mr. Lerch to purchase specialized lathes in Spain to be sent to South Africa for the manufacture of high-quality steel needed for centrifuge rotors for Libya's now dismantled nuclear weapons program.
--Ian Traynor, "Briton accused of central role in Libya's nuclear bomb," Guardian, April 27, 2006.

16 May 2006
The Bush administration announces the full resumption of diplomatic ties with Libya. The move comes following Libya's abandonment of its nuclear and other unconventional weapon programs. Secretary Rice remarks that 'Libya is an important model as nations around the world press for changes in behavior by the Iranian and North Korean regimes.'
--Joel Brinkley, Matthew L. Wald and Steven R. Weisman, "U.S. will restore diplomatic links with the Libyans," New York Times, 16 May 2006.

27 June 2006
The United Kingdom and Libya sign a memorandum of peace and security, in which the British promise to aid Libya in transforming its former nuclear weapons program into a peaceful nuclear program.
--"Al-Jazeera Reports UK, Libya Security Memo, Carries Comments by UK Minister," BBC, 5 July 2006; "BBC Monitoring Pan-Arab TV Headlines 27 Jun 06," BBC, 5 July 2006.

30 June 2006
Due to a report presented to Congress by President Bush on Libya's renunciation of support for terrorists, the U.S. State Department revokes Libya's status as a state sponsor of terrorism.
--Christopher Wall, Thomas M. DeButts and Geoffrey M. Goodale, "United States: Export Controls Reduced on Libya and Iraq- Amendments to Regulations Expand Opportunities for Exports," Mondaq Business Briefing, 7 September 2006.

25 July 2006
For the first time, Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi admits that Libya was attempting to construct a nuclear weapon. Gadhdhafi claims that Libya had been near to accomplishing this goal. This claim is discounted by U.S. officials who state that Libya had enough uranium, but did not have the technical expertise.
--"World News in Brief: Libya 'nearly had a nuclear bomb,'" The Independent, 25 July 2006; "Libya Was This Close to Having Nukes: Gadhafi Speech Focus is Self-Reliance," Reuters, 25 July 2006; "Libya Still Contains HEU," Middle East Newsline, 28 July 2006.

26 July 2006
Three kilograms of fresh (non-irradiated) highly enriched uranium (HEU) is shipped from the Tajoura research reactor in Libya to Russia. After this shipment, 20 kg of HEU were removed from Tajoura, which still contains an undisclosed amount of HEU fuel. The shipped fuel is set to arrive at the Luch research and production center in Russia where it will be converted into low-enriched uranium (LEU). The repatriation of fuel from Libya is part of a U.S.-Russian intergovernmental agreement for the conversion of foreign research reactors built under Soviet projects. This was a joint operation involving the National Nuclear Security Administration's Global Threat Reduction Initiative, Libya, Russia, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Tajoura research reactor is expected to be switched to LEU fuel in the coming months.
--"Highly-enriched nuclear fuel from Libya taken to Russia," Moscow ITAR-TASS, 26 July 2006, FBIS document CEP20060726950298; "Libya Rids Self of More Nuclear Fuel," Middle East On-line, 27 July 2006; "U.S. Officials Get Libya to Return Uranium," UPI, 27 July 2006.

3 August 2006
The Swiss Supreme Court allows the release of Swiss banking documents to the German government. The documents are from a South African company, which is alleged to have taken orders to manufacture parts for gas centrifuges. It has been estimated by the Swiss federal prosecutor that the company accepted a payment of $1.3 million for the order. Allegedly, A.Q. Khan mentioned the company during his statement on his nuclear black market activities, which included providing Libya with centrifuge technology.
--"Swiss Court Allows Release of Evidence in Libyan Nuclear Probe," Agence France Presse, 3 August 2006.

4 August 2006
The case against Gotthard Lerch, an engineer accused of aiding Libya in developing a nuclear weapon, is dismissed after four months by a judge in Mannheim, Germany. The judge feels that Lerch's trial will not be fair due to the withholding of evidence by the prosecution.
--"Guardian Weekly: The Roundup," The Guardian, 4 August 2006.

7 August 2006
Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tajoura Research Center in Libya complete an agreement on a "sister laboratory" program.
--"Lab Signs 'Sister' Agreement with Libyan Facility," Nuclear Weapons and Materials Monitor, 7 August 2006.

17 August 2006
Japan's State Minister for Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda meets with Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi where they discuss North Korea's nuclear program. Gadhdhafi states that he has been calling on North Korea to end its program as Libya did, and would like other countries to aid in persuading North Korea.
--"Japanese Minister Meets Libyan Leader," Kyodo, 18 August 2006; "Libya's Kadhafi to Press NKorea on Weapons: Japan," Agence France Presse, 18 August 2006.

25 August 2006
Top executives of Mitutoyo Corp. of Japan are arrested for exporting, without permission from the government, equipment useful for constructing centrifuges. Mitutoyo employed software to mask the accuracy of the measuring devices so they could be exported. According to Hiroyuki Murakami, a director at the Security Export Inspection Office at the Ministry of Economy, Mitutoyo could have been violating export laws for many years. Police are also attempting to find out if the devices were employed by Scomi Precision Engineering, which is a suspected of having played a role in the A.Q. Khan network. The violation came to light when one of the machines was found in Libya during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in 2003-2004. The arrests occurred due to a tip from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
--"Mitutoyo Execs Held, Trader's Office Raided Over Nuke-linked Exports," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 25 August 2006; "Japanese Police Arrest Five over Nuke-linked Exports," Kyodo, 25 August 2006; Martin Fackler, "Japan Accuses 5 of Exporting Equipment with Nuclear Uses," New York Times, 25 August 2006; David Turner, "Japan Executives Held over 'Nuclear Tools' Sales," Financial Times, 26 August 2006; "Mitutoyo Used Software to Make 3D Machines Appear Less Accurate," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 28 August 2006; "Mitutoyo Exported 10,000 Devices Since 1995, Most of Them Illegally," Kyodo, 31 August 2006.

29 August 2006
Japan's Mitutoyo Corp. is under investigation for allegedly exporting sophisticated measuring devices. One of these machines alleged to have traveled via the nuclear black market run by A.Q. Khan, was discovered in a nuclear facility in Libya by IAEA inspectors during their 2003-2004 inspections. The sophisticated measuring devices known as coordinate measuring machines, allow mechanical parts to be manufactured to very precise specifications and can be used for the manufacture of specialized equipment such as centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
--"Martin Fackler, "Japanese Company Suspected of Selling Nuclear Equipment to Iran," New York Times, 29 August 2006; "Name faked for nuclear-related export: Mitutoyo sold gear to Iranian company with possible WMD aims," Japan Times, 29 August 2006.

31 August 2006
In order to implement the State Department decision to remove Libya from the list of states that sponsor terrorism, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security revises the Export Administration Regulations to relax export controls on goods destined for Libya. However, exports of nuclear technology to Libya will still be controlled, but civilian end-users will likely receive approval.
--Christopher Wall, Thomas M. DeButts and Geoffrey M. Goodale, "United States: Export Controls Reduced on Libya and Iraq- Amendments to Regulations Expand Opportunities for Exports," Mondaq Business Briefing, 7 September 2006; "BIS Removes Libya's State Sponsor-Related Export Controls," Inside U.S. Trade, 8 September 2006.

8 September 2006
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry files charges against Mitutoyo for exporting measuring machines that could be used in a nuclear weapons program, one of which was discovered in Libya during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in 2003-2004. Later this year, the Japanese government is expected to modify its export laws. Some possible changes that are under consideration are requiring government approval for all sensitive exports to a list of certain countries, as well as taking Libya off that list.
--"METI Files Complaint Against Mitutoyo over Nuke-linked Exports," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 8 September 2006; Hiroko Tabuchi, "Japan Mulling Overhaul of Export Laws, The Associated Press, 13 September 2006; "Japan Considers Export Law Revision," Global Security Newswire, 14 September 2006.

14 September 2006
The Japanese government officially files charges against Mitutoyo Corp. employees. Scomi Precision Engineering, which allegedly took part in the A.Q. Khan network, admits buying six measurement machines from Mitutoyo in 2002 and sending one of them to Dubai. Scomi denies knowing what happened to the machine after it reached Dubai. Scomi was cleared by the Malaysian government and the International Atomic Energy Agency of knowingly participating in the A.Q. Khan network.
--"Japan Charges Mitutoyo Workers for Illegal Exports," Global Security Newswire, 15 September 2006.

21 September 2006
Prime Minister of South Korea Han Myeong-sook meets with Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi and Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi. The main topic of discussion is a peaceful resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue. Gadhdhafi states that he has made efforts to convince North Korea to end their nuclear weapons program, but that it has been largely unsuccessful. Gadhdhafi also stated that he is not satisfied with the progress made in compensating Libya for renouncing nuclear weapons.
--"Prime Minister to Start Four-Nation Tour," Yonhap, 18 September 2006; Vladimir Kutakhov, "S Korea PM to Visit UAE, Libya, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan," ITAR-TASS, 18 September 2006; "Qadhafi Offers to Help With North Korea," Global Security Newswire, 21 September 2006; "Kadhafi Sought to Mediate in North Korean Nuclear Row," Agence France Presse, 21 September 2006.

26 September 2006
In his book, In the Line of Fire, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf claims that A.Q. Khan transferred about 18 tons of centrifuges, parts, materials, and drawings to Iran and Libya through Dubai.
-- "Pakistan Nuclear Hero Wanted in Iran Cover-Up: Musharraf," Agence France Presse, 26 September 2006.

3 October 2006
During a debate in the United Nations First Committee for Disarmament and International Security, Libyan representative Ali Berbash states that Libya agrees with the position of the Non-Aligned Movement and supports "complete and total" disarmament. Berbash cautions that nuclear weapons and peaceful nuclear programs are not the same thing and should not be treated as such. Also, he states that Libya encourages the creation of more nuclear weapons free zones, but does not feel that this is feasible in the Middle East because of Israel's nuclear weapons program. He calls on Israel to become a member of the nonproliferation regime. In addition, he feels that the "double standard" should be eliminated to prevent other states from acquiring nuclear weapons.
--"Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zones, Dumping of Nuclear Waste Among Issues as Disarmament Committee Continues General Debate," US Fed News, 3 October 2006.

13 October 2006
Mitutoyo Corp., a Japanese firm that manufactures precision instruments, acknowledges that it violated Japanese law by exporting instruments that can be used to produce centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Some of these instruments were found during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in Libya in December 2003 and January 2004. Four former Mitutoyo employees that have been arrested have confessed to the charges against them.
--Carl Freire, "Japan's Mitutoyo Admits to Illegal Export of Nuke-related Equipment," Associated Press, 14 October 2006.