U.S. reaction ‘more or less’ in agreement

Press, 26 March 1986, Page 1

U.S. reaction ‘more or less’ in agreement

NZPA-AFP Washington

Democrat and Republican politicians were more or less in agreement in backing the United States sinking of a Libyan ship in the Gulf of Sirte and the attack on a Libyan missile base. But some of the United States politicians were worried about possible repercussions of the incident. “The Administration’s handling of this matter is on the right course,” said the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tip O’Neill, a Democrat who is one of President Reagan’s most outspoken critics.

“Its actions in protecting America’s armed forces in international waters are justified,” he said.

The House Republican leader, Mr Robert Michel, said Libya had engaged in an act of provocation

which “warranted our response.” The Republican Senate leader, Mr Robert Dole, said he felt the action was “appropriate,” while the Democrat leader, Mr Robert Byrd, said, “It is important to show Gadaffi those are international waters.” However, Senator Mark Hatfield said, “I don’t see what we are trying to prove by risking the lives of American servicemen.” The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Dante Fascell, said the White House should have consulted Congress about the attacks, as required by the War Powers Act of 1973. Further criticism came from a Congressman, Mr John Conyers, who said he feared that the Libyan leader would be seen as a hero because of the confrontation.

Further" report, page 10.