The wonderful, wacky world...

...of international diplomacy.

-- TRIPOLI, Libya -- Libya and the United States signed a deal Thursday settling all outstanding lawsuits by victims of terrorism, clearing the way for the full restoration of diplomatic relations.

The agreement paves the way for a full restoration of relations, the opening of a U.S. embassy in Tripoli and a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice before the end of the year. It also gives immunity to the Libyan government from any further terror-related lawsuits, the government official said.

Thursday's signing completes a nearly five-year effort to rebuild ties between the two countries.

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