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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Libya named one of safest countries in Mideast for Americans

WASHINGTON — Moammar Khaddafy's crackdown on both terrorism and political opposition is credited for U.S. certification of Libya as one of the safest countries in the Middle East.

"Libyan security authorities have increased their counterterrorism activities and police presence in response to recent worldwide terrorist attacks," a U.S. State Dept. report said. "In many areas, the extraordinary security remains in place and has become part of the status quo."

The department said the regime of Col. Moammar Khaddafy has clamped down on opposition movements and achieved stability in the North African country.

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The report said Al Qaida, however, continues to pose a danger to the country.

"In general, however, Libya is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for U.S. business personnel," the recent report said.

The department said travel throughout Libya has been deemed safe. But the report termed crime in Tripoli a medium threat, with local police deemed ineffective.

"Notwithstanding the lack of specific statistics, crime has remained a problem in recent years with an under-staffed, under-funded police department and a slow, inefficient legal system that hasn't demonstrated effectiveness at preventing crime or prosecuting criminals," the report said.

The department said petty crime and burglaries appear to be increasing. But the report said violent crime remains low.

"American interests in Libya have not been targets of political violence," the report said. "Peaceful demonstrations, small and large, do occur periodically."

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