Libya's recent surprise agreement to abort its programs for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has renewed US commercial interest in the Arab state. Texas-based GlobalNet is likely to be an immediate beneficiary of a US move to liberalize trade ties with the country.
Communications service provider Globalnet has been awarded a contract for worldwide termination of voice and data mobile satellite telecommunications traffic originating in Libya. Approval from the US Department of State will be required before service can be initiated. All of the necessary equipment needed to activate the service has already been put into place at the gateway.
"This is a great contract for our company because it's based on our proprietary IP Network, VOIP technology and cost-effective service," said Chairman and CEO of GlobalNet Corporation, Mark T. Wood.
In 1979, the US Government declared Libya a “state sponsor of terrorism”. The superpower prohibited imports of Libyan crude oil into the United States and expanded the controls on US-origin goods intended for export to Libya. In 1986, additional economic sanctions were adopted including a total ban on direct import and export trade, commercial contracts, and travel-related activities.
The telecommunications contract was granted to GlobalNet by the Global Telesat Corporation, a privately held company that owns the only satellite simplex applique situated anywhere in the world outside of the United States.
GlobalNet, formerly iDial Networks, is one of the top ten US service providers of outbound traffic to Latin America. The company provides international voice, data, fax and Internet services on a wholesale basis over a private IP network to international carriers and other communication service providers in the United States and internationally.
In response to the Libya’s decision surrender its WMD program US President Bush said in a televised statement that “leaders who abandon the pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them will find an open path to better relations with the United States." Still, the US government has yet to commit to lifting the sanctions. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
