LONDON Ñ Libya has signed a $13.5 billion weapons deal
with Iran for ballistic missiles with chemical warheads and the training to deploy and operate them.
The Berlin-based Die Welt daily reported that Iran and Libya signed the
accord in June 2002. Western intelligence sources said the deal was meant to bolster Libya's missile and
weapons of mass destruction programs.
Iran pledged to train Libya in missiles and the
production and use of chemical weapons. Under the contract, Libya would
obtain chemical warheads for its extended-range Scud-class missiles.
Libya has also acquired the No-Dong intermediate-range
missile from North Korea, Middle East Newsline reported.
Die Welt said Libya held talks last month with a
high-level North Korean delegation for the production of the No-Dong in
Libya.
The contract was signed in the presence of Iranian Defense
Minister Ali Shamkhani.
Libya, initiated the agreement with Iran, according to the report. In early 2002 the Libyan military decided that it must
bolster its missile and strategic force through training and the transfer of
expertise and technology.
The Libyan military was said to have been impressed by the achievements
Iran gained over the last year in its Shihab-3 intermediate-range missile
program. Iran has also launched its solid-fuel Al Fateh missile.
The newspaper said a Libyan military delegation visited Iran last year
and toured missile facilities in the northwest. The delegation was also
briefed on Iran's strategic capabilities.
The contract is said to have included the arrival of
Iranian trainers to Libya and the training of three Libyan brigades to
prepare and fire missiles.
