Libya connection is no

cause for alarm

I am extremely depressed at the right-wing anti independence tendencies of PIM.

Your June editorial, The Cost of Links With Libya, omitted to say that Fr Lini has said more than once that he is against terrorism or that he expressed solidarity with New Zealand when the French bombed the Rainbow Warrior or that he did likewise with the three countries attacked by South Africa.

You condemn Vanuatu for having dip lomatic links with Libya although it has yet to be proved that Libya has slaughtered anybody.

Just because the US has assured the world that Libya is behind acts of terrorism, in no way constitutes proof enough to slaughter women and children.

You state that “nobody gives aid for nothing”. But this also applies to the US, Australia, France and the other so-called friendly powers.

Vanuatu expects no support from Libya only trade and possible investment in an effort to broaden its economic base. If aid is offered, I’m sure it will be considered by the government, along with its implications.

You state that Col Ghaddafi routinely orders the executions of political oppo nents. Must you be reminded that the US gave refuge to another who did much the same Ferdinand Marcos?

And if establishing diplomatic relations with Libya is cause for isolation among Pacific neighbours, then Australia should be the first to run for cover, since they have had such relations for years.

Our neighbours have a right to be worried about anything that concerns them, but 1 would think they should be more worried about French colonialism, terrorism, nuclear testing and US attempts to use the Pacific as a nuclear freeway.

Robert G. Crain.

Port Vila.