In early 1979, following a Libyan-inspired commando attack on a Tunisian
provincial city, the U.S. responded promptly to Tunisia's urgent request
for assistance, both by airlifting needed military equipment and by making
clear our longstanding interest in the security and integrity of this
friendly country. The U.S. remains determined to oppose other irresponsible
Libyan aspirations. Despairing of a productive dialogue with the Libyan
authorities, the U.S. closed down its embassy in Libya and later expelled
six Libyan diplomats in Washington in order to deter an intimidation
campaign against Libyan citizens in the U.S.
U.S. relations with Algeria have improved, and Algeria has played an
indispensable and effective role as intermediary between Iran and the U.S.
over the hostage issue.
The strengthening of our arms supply relationship with Morocco has helped
to deal with attacks inside its internationally recognized frontiers and to
strengthen its confidence in seeking a political settlement of the Western
Sahara conflict. While not assuming a mediatory role, the U.S. encouraged
all interested parties to turn their energies to a peaceful and sensible
compromise resolution of the war in the Sahara and supported efforts by the
Organization of African Unity toward that end. As the year drew to a close,
the U.S. was encouraged by evolution in the attitudes of all sides, and is
hopeful that their differences will be peacefully resolved in the year
ahead so that the vast economic potential of North Africa can be developed
for the well-being of the people living there.