Libya and Russia created closer ties recently and according to the Associated Press, $4.5 billion in debt was written off by Russia in exchange for a lucrative petroleum and railway contract. The two countries have also recently signed a “deal on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Increasing ties since the collapse of the USSR have made Russia a viable supplier of these weapons again.

However, Russia is not Libya’s only source of weapons. Gadhafi recently undertook week-long tour of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and with their Soviet era weapons factories, Belarus and Ukraine have become strong competitors in the market for weapons. As well,  Gadhafi claims that he has received offers from Britain, France and Italy, allowing Libya to seek the best price.

David Crowley

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Andri Gontsharuk, the deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, said at the beginning of Kadhafi’s three day visit that he is ardent to talk about the possibility of purchasing armored vehicles and air defense systems from the Ukraine. In turn, Ukranian President Viktor Yushchenko will negotiate the possibility of Ukraine extracting oil from Libya, in order to reduce the country’s dependence on Russia for energy commodities.

Libya is also set to discuss its planned purchase of three aircraft transporters, a plan that had been put on hold due to economic difficulties.

Kadhafi’s tour throughout the region portrays his, as well as the Ukraine’s effort, to establish new ties around the world, with Libya coming out of its economic isolation. and Ukraine escaping its Russian dependence.

Roy Dickson

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