Controversy
In February 2004, Ghanem was interviewed on the BBC Radio 4 Today program. He stirred controversy in the interview by repudiating Libya's responsibility both for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and the 1984 murder of British WPC Yvonne Fletcher (who was shot and killed in April 1984 outside the Libyan Embassy in London). This incident led to the severing of UK/Libya diplomatic relations.
- "After the problems we have been facing because of the sanctions, the loss of money, we thought that it was easier for us to buy peace and this is why we agreed a compensation," Ghanem said in the interview.
When asked whether the payment of compensation meant that Libya did not accept any guilt or responsibility, Ghanem replied:
- "I agree with that, and this is why I say we bought peace."
Under pressure from the United States and Britain, Ghanem's comments were quickly retracted by Gaddafi.
It is unclear whether Shukri Ghanem's dismissal as prime minister in 2006 was a consequence of those controversial remarks he made two years earlier.
Read more about this topic: Shukri Ghanem
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