14 January 2006
Japanese firm, Mitutoyo Corporation, is suspected of illegally exporting three dimensional measuring tools to Scomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE) in Malaysia, China, and Thailand. Associates of the A.Q. Khan network are suspected of conducting illicit nuclear trafficking activities from SCOPE factories in Malaysia. The three dimensional measuring tools were allegedly shipped to Libya for its illicit nuclear weapons program from Malaysia and Dubai on an Iranian registered freighter.
--Steve Herman, "Head of Japanese Company Suspected of Nuclear Trafficking Denies Wrongdoing," VOA News, 14 February 2006; "N-tool took Malaysia route/MPD piecing together illegally exported device's path to Libya," Daily Yomiuri, 15 January 2006.

14 January 2006
Kazusaku Tezuka, president of Mitutoyo Corporation, denies that the Mitutoyo Corporation knowingly engaged in illicit trafficking of nuclear equipment that was found in Libya by international officials after Tripoli voluntary disbanded its WMD programs in 2004. Mr. Tezuka states that "I personally believe the intention was to handle the matter properly and there were no illegalities."
--"Japanese Firm Denies Illicit Nuclear Exports," Global Security Newswire, 14 February 2006.

27 January, 2006
The Turkish Customs Inspection Committee reports that two Turkish firms, Tekno Elektrik Sanayi and 3E Endustriyel Sanayi, engaged in illicit nuclear trafficking with Libya before its voluntary disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. A U.S. Department of Energy report states that Turkish firms supplied Libya with 6,992 centrifuge motors, 912 bottom magnets, and 19,447 ring magnets, which could have been used to produce up to seven nuclear weapons per year. Turkish officials state that the parts supplied to Libya were exported to the Gulf Technical Firm in Dubai, then to Pakistan, and then to Libya, which provides evidence of a strong link to the A.Q. Khan network.
--"They have sold materials enough for 7 nuclear weapons," Milliyet, 8 December 2005; "Two Turks Alleged to Nuclear Trafficking," Sabah, 27 January 2006.

15 February 2006
China denies involvement of illegal nuclear trafficking with Japan-based Mitutoyo Corporation. Mitutoyo Corporation is suspected of illegally exporting three dimensional measuring tools to Libya in 2002 through the Malaysian company, Scomi Precision Engineering (SCOPE), and the A.Q. Khan network. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao states that "after our inquiries, we felt that this issue had nothing to do with China."
--"China Denies Links to Suspected Nuclear Exporter," Global Security Newswire, 15 February 2006.

16 March 2006
France signs a peaceful nuclear energy accord with Libya. Maatuk Maatuk, Libya's public works minister, states "this accord represents a qualitative leap in relations between the two countries and proves that Libya has transformed its weapons of mass destruction into constructive weapons."
--Afaf el-Geblawi, "Libya signs nuclear research deal with France," Middle East Online, 16 March 2006.

17 March 2006
The trial of Gottard Lerch, who is suspected of aiding Libya's now defunct nuclear weapons program, begins in Mannheim, Germany. Mr. Lerch is charged with violating arms and exports laws by allegedly providing gas centrifuge technology to Libya for its clandestine nuclear weapons program.
--"German on trial over Libya arms," BBC, 17 March 2006.

27 April 2006
British citizen and businessman, Peter Griffin, is named as a suspect in the A.Q. Khan network during the trial of Gottard Lerch, another suspect of nuclear trafficking in the illicit network, in Mannheim, Germany. German prosecutors allege that Mr. Griffin and his Dubai-based company, Gulf Technical Industries (GTI), were commissioned by Mr. Lerch to purchase specialized lathes in Spain to be sent to South Africa for the manufacture of high-quality steel needed for centrifuge rotors for Libya's now dismantled nuclear weapons program.
--Ian Traynor, "Briton accused of central role in Libya's nuclear bomb," Guardian, April 27, 2006.

16 May 2006
The Bush administration announces the full resumption of diplomatic ties with Libya. The move comes following Libya's abandonment of its nuclear and other unconventional weapon programs. Secretary Rice remarks that 'Libya is an important model as nations around the world press for changes in behavior by the Iranian and North Korean regimes.'
--Joel Brinkley, Matthew L. Wald and Steven R. Weisman, "U.S. will restore diplomatic links with the Libyans," New York Times, 16 May 2006.

27 June 2006
The United Kingdom and Libya sign a memorandum of peace and security, in which the British promise to aid Libya in transforming its former nuclear weapons program into a peaceful nuclear program.
--"Al-Jazeera Reports UK, Libya Security Memo, Carries Comments by UK Minister," BBC, 5 July 2006; "BBC Monitoring Pan-Arab TV Headlines 27 Jun 06," BBC, 5 July 2006.

30 June 2006
Due to a report presented to Congress by President Bush on Libya's renunciation of support for terrorists, the U.S. State Department revokes Libya's status as a state sponsor of terrorism.
--Christopher Wall, Thomas M. DeButts and Geoffrey M. Goodale, "United States: Export Controls Reduced on Libya and Iraq- Amendments to Regulations Expand Opportunities for Exports," Mondaq Business Briefing, 7 September 2006.

25 July 2006
For the first time, Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi admits that Libya was attempting to construct a nuclear weapon. Gadhdhafi claims that Libya had been near to accomplishing this goal. This claim is discounted by U.S. officials who state that Libya had enough uranium, but did not have the technical expertise.
--"World News in Brief: Libya 'nearly had a nuclear bomb,'" The Independent, 25 July 2006; "Libya Was This Close to Having Nukes: Gadhafi Speech Focus is Self-Reliance," Reuters, 25 July 2006; "Libya Still Contains HEU," Middle East Newsline, 28 July 2006.

26 July 2006
Three kilograms of fresh (non-irradiated) highly enriched uranium (HEU) is shipped from the Tajoura research reactor in Libya to Russia. After this shipment, 20 kg of HEU were removed from Tajoura, which still contains an undisclosed amount of HEU fuel. The shipped fuel is set to arrive at the Luch research and production center in Russia where it will be converted into low-enriched uranium (LEU). The repatriation of fuel from Libya is part of a U.S.-Russian intergovernmental agreement for the conversion of foreign research reactors built under Soviet projects. This was a joint operation involving the National Nuclear Security Administration's Global Threat Reduction Initiative, Libya, Russia, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Tajoura research reactor is expected to be switched to LEU fuel in the coming months.
--"Highly-enriched nuclear fuel from Libya taken to Russia," Moscow ITAR-TASS, 26 July 2006, FBIS document CEP20060726950298; "Libya Rids Self of More Nuclear Fuel," Middle East On-line, 27 July 2006; "U.S. Officials Get Libya to Return Uranium," UPI, 27 July 2006.

3 August 2006
The Swiss Supreme Court allows the release of Swiss banking documents to the German government. The documents are from a South African company, which is alleged to have taken orders to manufacture parts for gas centrifuges. It has been estimated by the Swiss federal prosecutor that the company accepted a payment of $1.3 million for the order. Allegedly, A.Q. Khan mentioned the company during his statement on his nuclear black market activities, which included providing Libya with centrifuge technology.
--"Swiss Court Allows Release of Evidence in Libyan Nuclear Probe," Agence France Presse, 3 August 2006.

4 August 2006
The case against Gotthard Lerch, an engineer accused of aiding Libya in developing a nuclear weapon, is dismissed after four months by a judge in Mannheim, Germany. The judge feels that Lerch's trial will not be fair due to the withholding of evidence by the prosecution.
--"Guardian Weekly: The Roundup," The Guardian, 4 August 2006.

7 August 2006
Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tajoura Research Center in Libya complete an agreement on a "sister laboratory" program.
--"Lab Signs 'Sister' Agreement with Libyan Facility," Nuclear Weapons and Materials Monitor, 7 August 2006.

17 August 2006
Japan's State Minister for Science and Technology Policy Iwao Matsuda meets with Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi where they discuss North Korea's nuclear program. Gadhdhafi states that he has been calling on North Korea to end its program as Libya did, and would like other countries to aid in persuading North Korea.
--"Japanese Minister Meets Libyan Leader," Kyodo, 18 August 2006; "Libya's Kadhafi to Press NKorea on Weapons: Japan," Agence France Presse, 18 August 2006.

25 August 2006
Top executives of Mitutoyo Corp. of Japan are arrested for exporting, without permission from the government, equipment useful for constructing centrifuges. Mitutoyo employed software to mask the accuracy of the measuring devices so they could be exported. According to Hiroyuki Murakami, a director at the Security Export Inspection Office at the Ministry of Economy, Mitutoyo could have been violating export laws for many years. Police are also attempting to find out if the devices were employed by Scomi Precision Engineering, which is a suspected of having played a role in the A.Q. Khan network. The violation came to light when one of the machines was found in Libya during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in 2003-2004. The arrests occurred due to a tip from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
--"Mitutoyo Execs Held, Trader's Office Raided Over Nuke-linked Exports," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 25 August 2006; "Japanese Police Arrest Five over Nuke-linked Exports," Kyodo, 25 August 2006; Martin Fackler, "Japan Accuses 5 of Exporting Equipment with Nuclear Uses," New York Times, 25 August 2006; David Turner, "Japan Executives Held over 'Nuclear Tools' Sales," Financial Times, 26 August 2006; "Mitutoyo Used Software to Make 3D Machines Appear Less Accurate," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 28 August 2006; "Mitutoyo Exported 10,000 Devices Since 1995, Most of Them Illegally," Kyodo, 31 August 2006.

29 August 2006
Japan's Mitutoyo Corp. is under investigation for allegedly exporting sophisticated measuring devices. One of these machines alleged to have traveled via the nuclear black market run by A.Q. Khan, was discovered in a nuclear facility in Libya by IAEA inspectors during their 2003-2004 inspections. The sophisticated measuring devices known as coordinate measuring machines, allow mechanical parts to be manufactured to very precise specifications and can be used for the manufacture of specialized equipment such as centrifuges for uranium enrichment.
--"Martin Fackler, "Japanese Company Suspected of Selling Nuclear Equipment to Iran," New York Times, 29 August 2006; "Name faked for nuclear-related export: Mitutoyo sold gear to Iranian company with possible WMD aims," Japan Times, 29 August 2006.

31 August 2006
In order to implement the State Department decision to remove Libya from the list of states that sponsor terrorism, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security revises the Export Administration Regulations to relax export controls on goods destined for Libya. However, exports of nuclear technology to Libya will still be controlled, but civilian end-users will likely receive approval.
--Christopher Wall, Thomas M. DeButts and Geoffrey M. Goodale, "United States: Export Controls Reduced on Libya and Iraq- Amendments to Regulations Expand Opportunities for Exports," Mondaq Business Briefing, 7 September 2006; "BIS Removes Libya's State Sponsor-Related Export Controls," Inside U.S. Trade, 8 September 2006.

8 September 2006
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry files charges against Mitutoyo for exporting measuring machines that could be used in a nuclear weapons program, one of which was discovered in Libya during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in 2003-2004. Later this year, the Japanese government is expected to modify its export laws. Some possible changes that are under consideration are requiring government approval for all sensitive exports to a list of certain countries, as well as taking Libya off that list.
--"METI Files Complaint Against Mitutoyo over Nuke-linked Exports," Knight-Ridder Tribune Business News, 8 September 2006; Hiroko Tabuchi, "Japan Mulling Overhaul of Export Laws, The Associated Press, 13 September 2006; "Japan Considers Export Law Revision," Global Security Newswire, 14 September 2006.

14 September 2006
The Japanese government officially files charges against Mitutoyo Corp. employees. Scomi Precision Engineering, which allegedly took part in the A.Q. Khan network, admits buying six measurement machines from Mitutoyo in 2002 and sending one of them to Dubai. Scomi denies knowing what happened to the machine after it reached Dubai. Scomi was cleared by the Malaysian government and the International Atomic Energy Agency of knowingly participating in the A.Q. Khan network.
--"Japan Charges Mitutoyo Workers for Illegal Exports," Global Security Newswire, 15 September 2006.

21 September 2006
Prime Minister of South Korea Han Myeong-sook meets with Libyan leader Muammar Gadhdhafi and Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmudi. The main topic of discussion is a peaceful resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue. Gadhdhafi states that he has made efforts to convince North Korea to end their nuclear weapons program, but that it has been largely unsuccessful. Gadhdhafi also stated that he is not satisfied with the progress made in compensating Libya for renouncing nuclear weapons.
--"Prime Minister to Start Four-Nation Tour," Yonhap, 18 September 2006; Vladimir Kutakhov, "S Korea PM to Visit UAE, Libya, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan," ITAR-TASS, 18 September 2006; "Qadhafi Offers to Help With North Korea," Global Security Newswire, 21 September 2006; "Kadhafi Sought to Mediate in North Korean Nuclear Row," Agence France Presse, 21 September 2006.

26 September 2006
In his book, In the Line of Fire, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf claims that A.Q. Khan transferred about 18 tons of centrifuges, parts, materials, and drawings to Iran and Libya through Dubai.
-- "Pakistan Nuclear Hero Wanted in Iran Cover-Up: Musharraf," Agence France Presse, 26 September 2006.

3 October 2006
During a debate in the United Nations First Committee for Disarmament and International Security, Libyan representative Ali Berbash states that Libya agrees with the position of the Non-Aligned Movement and supports "complete and total" disarmament. Berbash cautions that nuclear weapons and peaceful nuclear programs are not the same thing and should not be treated as such. Also, he states that Libya encourages the creation of more nuclear weapons free zones, but does not feel that this is feasible in the Middle East because of Israel's nuclear weapons program. He calls on Israel to become a member of the nonproliferation regime. In addition, he feels that the "double standard" should be eliminated to prevent other states from acquiring nuclear weapons.
--"Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zones, Dumping of Nuclear Waste Among Issues as Disarmament Committee Continues General Debate," US Fed News, 3 October 2006.

13 October 2006
Mitutoyo Corp., a Japanese firm that manufactures precision instruments, acknowledges that it violated Japanese law by exporting instruments that can be used to produce centrifuges for uranium enrichment. Some of these instruments were found during International Atomic Energy Agency inspections in Libya in December 2003 and January 2004. Four former Mitutoyo employees that have been arrested have confessed to the charges against them.
--Carl Freire, "Japan's Mitutoyo Admits to Illegal Export of Nuke-related Equipment," Associated Press, 14 October 2006.

11 March 2007
Libya announces pending nuclear agreement with U.S. aimed at electricity production, water desalination, and radiochemistry. Reportedly, the agreement will also provide opportunities for Libyan students to study nuclear energy at American universities.
--"The GPC authorized the signing of agreement related to the Libyan American cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy," Jamahiriya News Agency, 11 March 2007.

13 March 2007
The U.S. State Department declares there is "no formal pending nuclear cooperation agreement with Libya on nuclear power plants or any broader nuclear issues." However, there has been scientific cooperation between the two countries in the area of nuclear medicine.
--Tom Casey, "Daily Press Briefing," U.S. State Department, 13 March 2007.

27 March 2007
Libyan TV announces the signature of a memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation between Libya and the U.K. The broadcast reports that the document was signed by the director of the Libyan National Office for Research and Cooperation and the director in charge of North Africa at the British Foreign Office.
--"Libya, UK sign scientific memorandum," BBC, 27 March 2007.

12 April 2007
Alexander Zolotaryov of the Russian Foreign Ministry says the Russian Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) will cooperate with Libya on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, specifically for medical purposes.
--"Russia to cooperate with Libya in peaceful uses of nuke energy," ITAR-TASS, 12 April 2007.

9 May 2007
German engineer Gerhard Wisser admits to smuggling nuclear supply parts into Libya as part of the AQ Khan network. He is sentenced to three years house arrest by a South African court. Wisser had participated in the illegal network between 2000 and 2004.
--"German Engineer Guilty of Nuclear-Technology Smuggling," Deutsche Welle, 9 May 2007.

25 July 2007
The Libyan state news agency reports a nuclear and defense cooperation agreement between Colonel Qadhdhafi and French President Nicholas Sarkozy. The agreement, with unspecified terms, is said to accompany a memorandum of understanding on peaceful nuclear energy.
--"Libya, France sign defence, nuclear energy agreements", Jamahiriya News Agency, 25 July 2007.

6 August 2007
Colonel Qadhdhafi's son, Saif al-Islam, claims France's 25 July agreement with Libya constitutes a quid pro quo for the release of five Bulgarian nurses held for murder. In addition he claims the agreement includes plans for Libya to buy a nuclear reactor from France.
--Christopher Dickey, "The Last Word: Saif al-Islam al-Qadhafi; The Politics of Blackmail," Newsweek, 13 August 2007.

9 August 2007
German officials voice their disapproval of French President Sarkozy's decision to sign a bilateral nuclear memorandum of understanding with Libya. The United States and other EU members support Sarkozy, arguing that to deny Libya nuclear technology would result in more challenging nonproliferation problems. These could include the appearance that a double standard is being applied to developing countries and the possibility of Libya acquiring technology from less trustworthy suppliers such as Iran. Supporters of the Libya-France deal maintain that neither country is violating the NPT.
— "German Minister Opposes Nuclear Aid to Middle East," Deutsche Welle, 17 December 2007; Mark Hibbs and David Stellfox, "German Concern about Libya Deal not shared by U.S., other EU Members," Platts Nucleonics Week, 9 August 2007.

14 August 2007
French President Nicholas Sarkozy denies the report of a plan to sell a nuclear reactor to Libya. "It's false," he says.
--"France denies plan to sell nuclear reactor to Libya," ABC News, 14 April 2007.

20 September 2007
According to U.S. and Libyan officials, scientists from both countries are engaged in technical cooperation which may lead to future Libyan purchases of dual-use systems.
--"U.S. rewards Libya with high tech assistance," World Tribune, 8 October 2007.

16 October 2007
Libya wins a non-permanent member seat on the UN Security Council. Libya's UN Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi notes that the country received 178 out of 192 UN General Assembly votes in its favor, including that of the United States. Libya's two-year term will begin on January 1, 2008 and it will sit with Vietnam, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica and Croatia on the Security Council.
—"Libya joins UN Security Council," USA Today, 16 October 2007; "World this Week," The Economist: U.S. Edition, 20 October 2007; "Libya Wins UN Security Council Seat," Aljazeera.net, 17 October 2007.

10 December 2007
Colonel Qadhafi makes a high-profile visit to Paris to further Libya's $14.7 billion nuclear energy and armaments deal with France. During his visit, he will approve the purchase of $4.4 billion worth of Airbus planes, a nuclear reactor and possibly Rafale fighter jets.
—"Gaddafi launches high-profile visit in France (Libya buys nuclear reactor and aircraft)," Agence France-Presse, 10 December 2007; John Ward Anderson, "Gaddafi Visit Causes Stir in France," Washington Post Foreign Service, 11 December 2007.

19 December 2007
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offers to help Libya in its pursuit of nuclear energy. The Russian Foreign Ministry asserts: "We are ready to help Libya realize its enduring right to attain civilian nuclear [energy]." Lavrov will visit Libya on Sunday for two days, meeting with Abdelrahaman Shalgham to further discuss the issue.
—Agence France-Presse referenced in "Russia Offers to Help Libya in Pursuit of Nuclear Energy," Carnegie Proliferation News, 20 December 2007.

3 March 2008
Libya's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Ibrahim Dabbashi votes in favor of UNSCR 1803, enacting additional sanctions against Iran's nuclear program. In his speech, he reinforces Libya's commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, but argues that the Security Council has not attached appropriate importance to Israeli nuclear weapons. In January 2008, Libya became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
—"Statements by National Governments Regarding Adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1803," Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control- Iran Watch, 3 March 2008; "Security Council Tightens Restrictions on Iran's Proliferation-Sensitive Nuclear Activities, Increases Vigilance over Iranian Banks, has States Inspect Cargo; UNSCR 1803," Security Council SC/9268, UN Department of Public Information, News and Media Division, 3 March 2008.

4 April 2008
The U.S.-Libya Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, which was signed on 3 January 2008, enters into force. Both countries will engage in governmental and nongovernmental exchange of scientific personnel and information in such fields as alternative energies, upper atmospheric research, nuclear security, and technology innovation. The agreement will also promote good governance and increased global security efforts.
—"Media Note: United States and Libya Sign Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement," U.S. Department of State, 3 January 2008; "Fact Sheet: Current State of U.S. - Libya Bilateral Relationship," U.S. Department of State, 2 September 2008.

15 April 2008
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit Libya to negotiate arms contracts and energy deals, a first for a Russian head of state. Last month Putin told the State Duma that a visit to Libya would help "iron out a financial problem with the country." Many officials believe Putin was referring to an arms-for-debt deal similar to the recent agreement with Algeria.
—Max Delany, "Putin to Talk Gas and Arms in Libya," The Moscow Times, 15 April 2008.

17 April 2008
Russia cancels Libya's $4.5 billion debt in return for ten military, energy and construction contracts worth $2.5 billion. Russia is expected to cooperate with Libya on nuclear energy soon [Note: In 1982, Russia helped Libya to build a nuclear research center and on 19 December 2007, Russia offered to help Libya pursue nuclear energy. See NTI Chronology 19 December 2007].
—"On Your Marks for Maghreb Arms Race?" Foreign Report: Africa, Jane's Information Group, 17 April 2008; "Russia to Supply over 2.2 Billion Dollars' Worth of Weapons to Libya," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 6 May 2007.

6 May 2008
Brice Hortefeux, the French Minister for Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Cooperative Development, confirms that President Sarkozy's government is moving forward with plans to help Libya build a nuclear reactor.
— Raphael Vassallo, "France makes Immigration Top Priority as Nuclear Deal with Libya goes ahead," Maltatoday Midweek. 7 May 2008.

29 May 2008
Ukrainian President Yushchenko meets with Colonel Qadhafi, seeking to bolster ties between Ukraine and Libya. Among many areas of cooperation emphasized, Yushchenko intends to help Libya build nuclear reactors and further its use of peaceful nuclear energy and technology.
— Mustafa Adam-Noble, "Nuclear Energy: Analysis," Fahamu (Oxford), 29 May 2008; "Libya: Kadhafi meets Ukrainian President Yushchenko," Afrique En Ligne, 4 August 2008; "Ukrainian Website Upbeat on Defence Cooperation with Libya," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 29 April 2008.

2 June 2008
Dr. Mohamed El-Baradei, Director General of the IAEA, announces to the Board of Governors in the 2007 Annual Report that Libya has been fully compliant with the agency and has exceeded the IAEA's expectations. He notes that "Libya has recently provided additional information about the timeline of some of its past undeclared activities, which has helped the Agency gain a full picture of Libya's past and present nuclear programme and will enable the Agency to resume verification in Libya on a routine basis. […] Libya has continued to be transparent and to provide the Agency unrestricted access."
— IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed El-Baradei, "Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors," Annual IAEA Report for 2007, 2 June 2008.

13 August 2007
Libyan Secretary for European Affairs Abd-al-Ati al-Ubaydi contests an article in the Daily Telegraph, confirming the existence of yellowcake at Sabha but emphasizing that the IAEA is aware of the stockpile [Note: the IAEA inspected the Sabha storage facility in July 2004]. The article in the Daily Telegraph had accused Libya of stalling on its promise to get rid of 1,000 tons of yellowcake. Libya says it is waiting for negotiations to be finalized before it sells the uranium.
--Al-Jazeera TV referenced in "Libyan Official Slams U.K. Paper's Uranium Allegations, Says Supply 'known,'" BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 15 August 2007; Katherine Griffiths, "Libya Stalls on pledge to Destroy Stock of Uranium," The Daily Telegraph, 13 August 2007; Office of the Director General, "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya," Report to the IAEA Board of Governors, 20 August 2004.

25 August 2008
Swiss President Pascal Couchepin confirms the destruction of government documents linking Libya's former nuclear program to a family of Swiss engineers. According to Swiss officials, the U.S. urged Switzerland to destroy the files that could connect the CIA to the Tinner family. The Tinners played an important role in a clandestine operation to supply damaged nuclear equipment to Libya and Iran in order to slow their nuclear progress.
—William J. Broad and David E. Sanger, "In Nuclear Net's Undoing, a Web of Shadowy Deals," The New York Times, 25 August 2008; Adam Beaumont, "U.S. Frustrates Swiss Nuclear Probe," Swissinfo, 26 May 2006.

5 September 2008
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice meets with Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi for an historic state visit. Rice is the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit Libya since 1953, marking a turning point in U.S.-Libyan relations. Washington is currently negotiating a "military memorandum of understanding," which could allow for a significant increase in military sales, cooperation in the science and technology fields, and coordinated efforts in the fight against terrorism.
— Sue Pleming, "Rice meets Qadhafi on Historic Libya Visit," Reuters, 6 September 2008; "Rice in Talks with Libya's Qadhafi," BBC News, 5 September 2008; "U.S. Preparing Military Agreement with Libya," World Tribune, 5 September 2008.

12 September 2008
IAEA Director General Mohamed El-Baradei announces that the investigation of Libya's nuclear past is complete, saying Tripoli does not pose a nuclear threat and that future agency activities will only be routine. Such statements are meant to encourage Iran and Syria to follow the Libyan example.
--Greg Webb, "IAEA Completes Libya Investigation," Global Security Newswire, 12 September 2008; Office of the Director General, "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya," Report to the IAEA Board of Governors, 12 September 2008.

12 September 2008
According to an IAEA report that sums up a four-year investigation into Libya's nuclear weapons program, Libya received nuclear bomb blueprints from the A.Q. Khan network electronically. The documents also included information on centrifuges for uranium enrichment. While there is no evidence that Libya transferred these materials to anyone, the revelation raises the concern that other rogue states could acquire the same blueprints with ease. The report says "a substantial amount of sensitive information related to the fabrication of a nuclear weapon was available to members of the network," including a document on how to cast uranium metal into warheads.
--Anne Penketh, "Nuclear Bomb Blueprint on Internet, Warns UN," The Independent, 13 September 2008; Borzou Daragahi, "The World; Details told of Libya's Nuclear Bid; A UN Watchdog Agency's Report Finds the Abandoned Effort Relied on Documents put in Electronic Form," Los Angeles Times, 13 September 2008; Office of the Director General, "Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya," Report to the IAEA Board of Governors, 12 September 2008.

24 September 2008
The IAEA Board of Governors passes a resolution thanking Libya for voluntarily providing "unrestricted and prompt access, to those locations, information and individuals deemed necessary by the agency." The IAEA recognizes Libya as a model of cooperation with nuclear inspectors. [Note: See NTI Chronology 12 September 2008 for information on the conclusions of the IAEA's four-year investigation].
--Greg Webb, "IAEA Board Hails Libyan Disarmament," Global Security Newswire, 25 September 2008.

16 October 2008
German Engineer Gotthard Lerch is sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison. On 9 October 2008 Lerch confessed to accusations of helping transfer uranium enrichment components to Libya using the A.Q. Khan network from 1999-2003, and was charged with violating German trade and weapons laws. Federal Prosecutor Wolfgang Siegmund said Lerch "made highly exclusive special knowledge available" to Libya for a price of $4.7 million. The Stuttgart state court added that Lerch also admitted to supporting the production of piping systems for a South African gas ultra centrifuge facility. The IAEA believes the facility was intended for Libya's weapons program.
--Oliver Schmale, "German Engineer Guilty of Helping Libya with Nukes," Associated Press, 16 October 2008; Associated Press referenced in "German Admits to Seeking Nuclear Equipment for Libya," Global Security Newswire, 10 October 2008; Mark Hibbs, "Potential Witness Could Play Key Role in Libya Enrichment Trial," Nucleonics Week, 18 September 2008.

1 November 2008
According to Libyan sources, Russia and Libya sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during Qadhafi's visit to Moscow. Libyan Foreign Minister Abdelrahman Chalgham says the agreement will emphasize "…the design and construction of reactors and the supply of nuclear fuel," as well as medical applications of nuclear technology and nuclear waste treatment. The deal has not been officially confirmed by Russia, and AFP reports that Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov "said no such agreement had been signed during the meeting between Kadhafi and Putin."
—"Russia, Libya Sign Civil Nuclear Deal as Kadhafi Visits: Tripoli," Agence France-Presse, 1 November 2008; "Libya: We Signed Nuke Deal with Russia," Media Line News Agency in the Jerusalem Post, 2 November 2008, www.international.jpost.com.

	Updated November 2008