Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Libya

President Bush continued the national emergency with respect to Libya that was first declared by President Reagan in 1986, citing unresolved concerns despite positive developments including Libya's December 2003 agreement to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction programs. The notice is required annually under the National Emergencies Act and maintains the legal framework for U.S. sanctions against Libya.

Federal Register Open PDF 69 FR 847

Impact dates

Jan 5, 2005
Next required annual continuation notice or termination of emergency under National Emergencies Act

Key directives

Continue the national emergency with respect to Libya
Publish notice in Federal Register
Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

National emergency with respect to Libya continues
Notice published in Federal Register and transmitted to Congress

Near term (90d)

Libya expected to follow through on December 19, 2003 commitments
Potential reciprocal U.S. steps if Libya takes tangible action

Long term

Possible normalization of U.S.-Libya relations contingent on verified Libyan compliance
Potential lifting of emergency if crisis fully resolved

Risks & tensions

Tension between acknowledging Libya's positive steps and maintaining pressure for full compliance
U.S. abstention on UNSCR 1506 signals residual unilateral concerns beyond UN framework
Verification gap: declaration must be followed by concrete verified steps