The sanctions were suspended as part of a political deal in return for the two Libyans accused being handed over for trial. The conditions for lifting the sanctions permanently were set out in a Security Council resolution several years ago, which endorsed demands made by the Western powers. In essence, Libya still has to accept responsibility for the actions of Libyan officials and pay appropriate compensation to the victims' families. That is the formula used by President George Bush in his first reaction to the verdicts. It was echoed by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, who added the requirement for Libya to abandon terrorism definitively.
British officials say there's no recent evidence of Libya being involved in terrorist acts.
While understanding the reaction of those who think Libya should continue to be ostracised, the officials argue the best strategy is to engage with the Libyans to make sure they do not return to the ways of the past. It is obvious to all that commercial interests, especially oil and gas, are also pushing in that direction. The British government expects to hold discussions with the Libyans to work out a formula for lifting UN sanctions. What the United States decides to do about its own economic embargo against Libya is another matter. That is a difficult issue on which the Bush administration's political instincts may clash with the interests of American oil companies.