ABSTRACT
In 1991, Libya’s attention was largely focused on foreign affairs. At least, such was the impression given by the Libyan and foreign media’s coverage of the Jamahiriyya. Tripoli was annoyed about the campaign led by the West against Libya’s alleged manufacturing of chemical weapons. One reason why Qadhdhafi was able to direct most of his energies toward foreign affairs was the inefficacy of the Libyan opposition. There were frequent diplomatic exchanges between Libya and Egypt, and much solidarity was displayed in meetings between Qadhdhafi and Mubarak, showing a strengthening of relations. Libya’s overtures to restore diplomatic ties with Britain, in 1991, proved futile. Libya and France were on good terms throughout most of 1991, in sharp contrast to the tension in relations of the 1980s. Libya welcomed the declaration of independence of the Soviet republics, which suited the Libyan belief “in the right of the nations for self-determination and choice of proper national options by themselves”.
