Libya assets call could help case for IRA victims' compensation

The former Libyan regime of Colonel Gaddafi supplied large volumes of Semtex and weapons to the IRA.

Libya’s new Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj returned to the country in March to lead a UN-backed government in Tripoli after years of civil war and major ongoing instability amid warring tribes.

However, he has been unable to exercise much power and says Libya needs arms embargoes lifted and the release of overseas assets to battle Islamic State within its borders.

DUP MP Ian Paisley, who is spearheading a Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquiry into Libyan compensation for IRA victims, says the issue is being put on to al-Serraj’s agenda.

Mr Paisley said: “The request from a new established government to have its assets unfrozen were signalled a few weeks ago in parliament when the Foreign Secretary spoke about normalising relations,” he said. “He stated at that time it would be a long complex negotiation. He helpfully pointed out that the matter of compensation for victims was on the agenda! And he had spoken to the new prime minister about that.

“My view remains the issue of compensation can be won, but it will be difficult, but so far we are making good progress and are on the top agenda.”

Kenny Donaldson, spokesman for Innocent Victims United, said: “If it is the case that the UK Government pursues the unfreezing of Libyan assets so that those monies are returned to that nation, then as part of that deal its terms must mean the full compensating of innocent victims of Libyan-sponsored PIRA terrorism.”

Last month Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told Parliament he had discussed victims’ compensation with Mr al-Serraj.