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UK and Libya agreement on open govt

LONDON, May 24 (KUNA) -- The UK and Libya will work together to develop a modern and reliable communications infrastructure in Libya, spreading the practice of open government, it was announced here Thursday.
A Memorandum of Intentions on e-Libya was signed by UK Minister Lord Green and the Libyan Minister of Communications Anwar El Feitouri in London today, the Foreign Office said in a statement on its website.
The two sides are seeking to cooperate in support of the E-Libya initiative's goals of improving quality of life in Libya through technology; and catalyzing the development of a Libyan knowledge economy.
"Desiring, therefore, to cooperate and benefit from the warm and friendly relations between both governments, to leverage the extensive knowledge of the UK government in areas including information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategy.
Secondly the establishing of a regulatory framework and a Physical ICT infrastructure.
There was also a common goal of promoting open government and transparency in Libya, and recognizing the role E-Libya will play in the advancement of that goal, so that Libya may in future join the Open Government Partnership.
This Memorandum of Intentions is not legally binding and does not constitute an obligation of funds.
The Participants, based on the experience, technical expertise and best practices in the implementation of cooperation for the E-Libya Initiative, intend to conduct joint activities of technical cooperation, with a view to identifying opportunities on mutually decided terms of enhanced investment opportunities in the country, responsive government activities, increased access to technology; and strengthening the infrastructure and technological innovation systems of Libya, by means of coordinated use of personal, technological and human resources, the statement added.
The UK will be sending technical experts from the United Kingdom, and other governments and international private sector organizations to develop proposals, provide technical and strategic guidance, training, and education, as well as monitor projects and evaluate results.
The memorandum of Intentions is to be effective as of the date of its signature.
Earlier today the visiting Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Kieb met his UK counterpart David Cameron to discuss the situation in Libya and mutual co-operation between the two countries.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague took part in the meeting at Downing Street. (end) he.sd KUNA 241953 May 12NNNN