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 2005
The General People's Congress of Libya calls on all countries possessing Weapons of Mass Destruction to get rid of them with a vision to make the world safer. Libya also renews its call to make Africa, the Mediterranea,n and the Middle East WMD-free regions without exception, including Israel's nuclear arsenal.
--"Libya Calls on All Countries to Scrap WMDs," Panafrican News Agency, 13 January 2005.
January 2005
Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi says that the United States and the United Kingdom have not rewarded Libya for dismantling its WMD program, although they have made pledges.
--"Qadhafi Says U.S., U.K. Have Not Yet Rewarded Libya for Renouncing Weapons of Mass Destruction," Global Security Newswire, 31 January 2005.
January 2005
In an interview asking about Iran's nuclear weapons, Al-Qadhdhafi says that Iran is an independent country and knows where its interests lie. He also calls upon countries such as the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, India, and Israel to destroy their weapons.
--"Al-Qadhafi Says Libya 'Served World Peace' By Halting Nuclear Programme," BBC Monitoring, 2 January 2005.
January 2005
With the abandonment of WMD, Libya is called upon by Western nations including France, Germany, Canada, Britain, Italy and United States and opens its doors to better relations and economic ties. Libya is also asked to play a full role in the North African dialogue with the European Union.
--"West Beats a Path to Forgive Libya its Pariah Status," Times Online, 18 January 2005.
February 2005
Mu'ammar Al-Qadhdhafi demands that the United States buy all 417 Scud Missiles at $2 million dollars a piece. The United States plans to buy 10 for testing, but Libya demands that all be purchased for $834 million. They also demand that the United States come to their defense in the event of hostile attack.
--"Israel: US Rejects Demand to Buy Libya's 417 Scuds at $2 Million Apiece," Yedi'ot Aharoton, 1 Feb 2005, in FBIS Document GMP20050203000215.
February 2005
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs William Burns reiterates Washington's desire to establish normalized relations with Libya and praises Libya for abandoning WMD. Burns also reviewed matters of "specific concern over Libya's past involvement in terrorism."
--"U.S. Reaffirms Goal of Normal Libya Relations," Agence France-Presse, 11 February 2005.
5 February 2005
French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie travels to Tripoli to sign a letter of intent on military cooperation and procurement. Libya also expresses that it wants to monitor its borders better to check illegal immigration.
--"France, Libya Intensify Military Cooperation," Le Monde, 8 February 2005.
25 February 2005
Taiwanese businessman Hsieh Chin-Yi is arrested for allegedly smuggling missile components to Libya. He had exported missile parts disguised as general merchandise to Libya since 1999. He also faces forgery charges because the items are declared as “car parts.” In 2000, Hsieh was also caught in Zurich for carrying missile components in his bag at the Zurich airport. He was immediately expelled from the airport.
--AFP: Taiwanese Man Arrested for Selling Missile Components to Libya,” AFP, 25 February 2005 in FBIS Document CPP20050225000097.
6 August 2005
In a telephone meeting with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, British Prime Minister Tony Blair indicates an interest in improving his country’s relations with Libya, which cooled soon after Libya’s voluntary abandonment of its weapons of mass destruction programs.
— “Qaddafi Receives Telephone Call from Blair,” Qatar News Agency, 6 August 2005.
