January 28, 2003

Smith Opposes Libya's Chairmanship Of U.N. Human Rights Commission

Libya's Poor Record Makes a "Mockery" of the Leadership Post

WASHINGTON, DC- Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) last week spoke on the Senate floor to voice his opposition to Libya's chairmanship of the U.N. Human Rights Commission. Libya was elected to head the commission on January 20th.

"The Libyan government must improve its standing in the international community by ceasing support to terrorists and moving towards a more democratic system," said Smith. "Libya's ascendancy to the chairmanship of the Commission has dealt an appalling blow to the cause of human rights and to the credibility of that U.N. body."

Prior to the U.N. vote, Smith sent a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell urging him to exercise his leadership and influence to dissuade delegates from electing Libya to chair the commission which is charged with the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"Libya, under Muammar al-Qadhafi, has an abysmal human rights record and has been a leading state sponsor of terrorism," said Smith. "Libya's taking the helm of the U.N. Human Rights Commission would make a mockery of that institution and deprive the U.N. of credible leadership on human rights at a critical time."

The complete texts of Smith's letter and statement are available upon request.

Libya's history of human rights violations includes the tragic 1988 bombing of Pan American flight 103. The attack, linked to Muammar al-Qadhafi's totalitarian regime, resulted in 270 deaths.

Smith has long been a champion of international human rights. He currently serves on the United States Helsinki Commission, an organization focused on international freedoms and rights. In the 107th Congress he authored an extension of the Iran Libya Sanctions Act, legislation which imposed economic sanctions on Libya and Iran for reasons that include disregard for basic human rights.

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