Libya a ‘Scapegoat,’ Favors Compromise, Kadafi Says

Moammar Kadafi, asserting that Libya is a “scapegoat” in the terrorist bombing of a Pan American airliner more than three years ago, said he believes, nonetheless, that a compromise could be reached to avert threatened U.N. sanctions against his country.

He also called on the United States to reopen its embassy in Tripoli, complaining that indirect contacts between the two governments have so far been fruitless.

Kadafi said his government has responded positively to a U.N. demand for Libyan cooperation in the investigation of the explosion of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988 that killed 270 people.

During the Saturday interview, in a tent in the countryside about 180 miles from this capital city, Kadafi alternated between defiance and an apparent desire to appease the United States. He lavished praise on President Bush and Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who he said won his “respect” because they did not attack him personally and “seem to be serious” about seeking peace in the Middle East.

He also appeared weary and drawn, possibly reflecting the anxiety he reportedly feels as he faces a choice between delivering two reputed Libyan intelligence agents to stand trial in a U.S. or Scottish court for the Pan Am bombing--as the United States and Britain have demanded--or risking possible U.N. sanctions and U.S. military intervention if he refuses.

“What has Libya done to be put in such a corner?” he complained. “I don’t think the problem is difficult. We must reach a compromise.”

He said that the U.N. resolution “is very clear. . . . It wanted Libya to cooperate with regard to the judicial aspect of the problem. Libya has no problem with that and has already positively responded.”

Kadafi said he has requested the United States and Scotland to present their evidence to a Libyan judge ordered to investigate the accusations.

“It was they who did not respond positively,” he said. “If they don’t trust our judicial system, we don’t trust theirs. In such a case, we can bring neutral judges. Let them accept that.”