The Libyan government has authorized its Foreign Ministry to sign a cooperation agreement with the United States on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, according to news reaching Tunis on Sunday from Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

The agreement, proposed by the US government, is aimed at building a nuclear power station in the northern African country for generating electricity, desalinating seawater and producing medical laser, the Libyan news agency reported.

Under the draft agreement, the two countries will conduct research and exchange activities in the field of nuclear energy, launch joint research projects and set up a regional nuclear medical center to help Libya foster nuclear talents.

The draft agreement also provides that both countries will enhance cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in such fields as energy, seawater desalination, medicine, agriculture, industry and environment to achieve win-win for both sides.

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has previously criticized the United States for failing to provide any compensation for his country when Libya gave up its nuclear program in 2003.
 
In an interview with the BBC on March 2, he said western countries persuaded Libya to give up its nuclear program by promising to provide economic compensation. However, neither the United States nor Britain had fulfilled its promise.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)