Libya and Switzerland will soon sign a memorandum on mutual understanding intended to improve relations between the two countries which have been deteriorated for almost two years, local media said, quoting a Libyan Foreign Ministry source.
Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey reportedly arrived in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, earlier on Sunday for talks with the country's authorities.
Switzerland's row with Libya goes back to July 2008, when Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi's son, Hannibal, and his wife Aline who was 9 months pregnant were arrested in Geneva. They were released on bail after spending two days in custody following a hotel employee complaint of mistreatment by the couple.
Soon after the incident two Swiss businessmen were arrested in Tripoli on charges of tax evasion, violation of visa rules and illegal business activities.
Strained relations between the two countries deteriorated further as Switzerland banned the construction of minarets in last November following a referendum. A total of 57.5% eligible voters and 22 out of 26 Swiss cantons voted to prohibit minaret construction in a bid to stop the "Islamization of Switzerland." The country's decision sparked criticism from politicians and religious figures worldwide.
In February, Libya denied entry for Schengen-zone passport holders (nearly all EU member states) after Switzerland put nearly 200 senior Libyan officials on a travel blacklist, including Muammar Gaddafi and his family, denying them entry permits.
In March, Libya imposed an economic embargo on Switzerland as tensions between the two countries continued to escalate.
CAIRO, June 13 (RIA Novosti)
