Full U.S.-Libya ties slated in early 2005

TRIPOLI, Libya, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Full ties between Libya and the United States are expected to be restored early next year after the U.S. presidential elections, U.S. officials said.

"The process of normalization is proceeding quickly and even ahead of schedule," said U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., a member of the House Foreign Relations Committee, after talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi late Sunday.

"I assured Mr. Gadhafi that the process of restoring full relations between our two countries will proceed in a normal way whether President George Bush or Sen. John Kerry won the next presidential elections," Lantos said.