Arabs Reject Libyan Call for Anti-U.S. Move
The Arab League on Thursday renewed its condemnation of American sanctions against Libya and U.S. military exercises in the Mediterranean but turned down Col. Moammar Kadafi’s request for joint economic retaliation by Arab nations.
Kadafi’s government requested the special meeting in hopes of obtaining a counterboycott of the United States, including withdrawal of Arab funds from American banks and companies.
That attitude of the Arab League--consisting of 20 countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization--was evident even before the one-day session began. Although it was billed as a gathering of foreign ministers, only eight attended. Other countries sent lower-level delegates.
Warning to U.S.
The meeting’s communique denounced “American threats” against Libya and the economic boycott, expressing “total solidarity” with Libya. It warned the United States about the “dangers of an armed aggression” against Libya and asked that Washington cease all forms of provocation.
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