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LISBON-Condoleezza Rice hailed as "historic" her trip to Libya later on Friday, the first by a U.S. secretary of state to the former pariah nation in 55 years and a visit aimed at erasing decades of enmity."It is an historic moment ... that has come after a lot of difficulty and the suffering of many people, that will never be forgotten or assuaged, Americans in particular for whom I am very concerned," Rice told a news conference in Lisbon before leaving for Tripoli.The trip signals improved ties between the two countries, which began to warm after Libya gave up its weapons of mass destruction program in 2003.Rice held back from visiting Libya until a compensation package was signed last month to cover legal claims involving victims of U.S. and Libyan bombings.The last secretary of state to go there was John Foster Dulles in May 1953, before Rice was even born.Rice will meet Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and share Iftar with him-the meal for breaking the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.Rice said she was looking forward to meeting Gaddafi-once called "the mad dog of the Middle East" by President Ronald Reagan-and planned to discuss, among other issues, the conflict in Sudan and Libya's "important" role there.Gaddafi has in the past expressed admiration for Rice.To read more go to:
As in the days of Noah....
