Boehner Meets Qadhafi, Urges Libyan Leader to Take Steps to Further Strengthen Bilateral Relationship

This just in...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) met yesterday with the leader of Libya , Col. Muammar Qadhafi, as part of a multi-state congressional delegation trip, which also includes meetings with leaders in Israel , Tunisia , and Morocco . Boehner issued the following statement on his meeting with Col. Qadhafi, which included discussions about Libya ’s ongoing efforts to reintegrate back into the world community and the future of U.S.-Libya relations:

“Our visit with Col. Qadhafi has come at a critical time for both the United States and Libya , and we stressed the importance of being forward-looking as our nations seek to further strengthen our bilateral relationship. It has been nearly two years since the Bush Administration announced its intention to restore diplomatic relations with Libya , and since then, the Libyan government has taken key steps toward reintegrating as a partner in the world community and in the War on Terror. Col. Qadhafi and I also discussed how vital it is for his government to continue taking these steps – including settling claims to fully accept responsibility for past actions and offenses – in order for this progress to continue. Our nation has an important stake – with regard to both our security and our economy – in forging a stronger alliance with Libya , and as the Libyan government fully settles its past claims, I am confident our mutual relationship will grow even stronger.”

I really have mixed feelings on these trips...