CAIRO — Libya plans to marginalize U.S. energy majors and grant preference to rivals from China and Russia.   

"We want to strengthen and develop relations with Russia and China,"

Ghanem told the Saudi-owned A-Sharq Al Awsat daily on March 11. "If you feel that the partner that you are working with begins to mix political positions with economic ones, then you must take warning."

U.S. officials last yeasr described as "disgusting" the hero's welcome given by the Ghadafi government to convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, who was released from prison by Scottish authorities.

Officials said Libyan leader Moammar Ghadafi and senior government officials were meeting Chinese and Russian diplomats and industry representatives to discuss projects in the energy sector.

Ghanem, who also reported difficulties with European companies, said Tripoli plans to diversify its energy contractors.

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