Libya, United States settle all terror-related lawsuits

Tripoli: Libya and the United States have signed a deal settling all outstanding terror-related lawsuits between the two nations, clearing the way for the restoration of full diplomatic relations.

The top US diplomat for the Middle East, David Welch, signed the deal Thursday with Ahmed al-Fatroui, head of America affairs in Libya's Foreign Ministry, in a ceremony before reporters.

There were 26 lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya and three by Libyan citizens against the US.

The deal paves the way for a full restoration of relations, the opening of a US embassy and a visit by US secretary of state before the end of the year. It also gives immunity to the Libyan government against any further terror-related lawsuits.