Libya, U.S. settle terrorism lawsuits

Libya and the United States settled all outstanding lawsuits by American victims of terrorism on Thursday, clearing the way for the full restoration of diplomatic relations.

There were 26 pending lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, and other attacks, said a senior Libyan government official.

The official said there were also three outstanding lawsuits filed by Libyan citizens for U.S. airstrikes on Tripoli and Benghazi in 1986 that Libyans say killed 41 people, including leader Moammar Gadhafi’s adopted daughter.

The agreement will be followed by a U.S. upgrading of relations with Libya including the confirmation of a U.S. ambassador and a visit by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice before the end of the year.

Wellington, New Zealand

Leader failed to revive friend

New Zealand’s prime minister tried in vain to help resuscitate her climbing guide and friend after he suffered an apparent heart attack while on a trip in a remote alpine valley, authorities said today.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and members of the party, including two Cabinet ministers, spent more than two hours trying to revive Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, police said.

“I saw him fall,” Clark told reporters. “We got him in (to the hut) and got him comfortable, but I think it happened pretty fast.”

Braun-Elwert, 59, collapsed after the seven-member group had returned to a hut in the rugged Two Thumbs Range in central South Island.