US President George W. Bush said Friday Libya has confirmed that it had sought to develop weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, but now intends to eliminate the program.

Speaking at the White House press briefing room Friday evening, Bush said Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi will allow the entry of international inspectors to confirm that its nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs are destroyed.

"He (Gadhafi) has agreed immediately and unconditionally to allow inspectors from international organizations to enter Libya,"Bush said. "These inspectors will render an accounting of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs, and will help oversee their elimination."

"Colonel Gadhafi's commitment, once it is fulfilled, will make our country more safe and the world more peaceful," Bush said.

He also called on Libya to "fully engage in the war against terror" and noted that the country has already renounced all acts of terrorism and pledged cooperation in the international fight against terrorism.

"We expect Libya to meet these commitments, as well," Bush said."As the Libyan government takes these essential steps and demonstrates its seriousness, its good faith will be returned."

"Libya can regain a secure and respected place among the nations, and over time, achieve far better relations with the United States," Bush pledged.

The US president called Friday's development "a major step forward" in efforts to prevent such weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. He added that those countries which choose todismantle their weapons of mass destruction will find a path to better relations with the United States.

Speaking in London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Gadhafi vowed to eliminate the weapons programs in a transparent and verifiable manner.

Blair said the decision came after nine months of negotiations and hailed Libya's decision as "courageous and historic."
 
(Xinhua News Agency  December 20, 2003)