Powell extends ban on using US passports for travel to Libya
( 2001-11-24 14:26 ) (7 )

Secretary of State Colin Powell on Friday extended for one year a ban on using US passports for travel to Libya, a country Washington regards as a state sponsor of terrorism.

"After thorough consideration of all the factors, the Secretary of State has again chosen to extend the restriction on US passports for travel to Libya," deputy State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said.

"Accordingly, all US passports will remain invalid for travel to, in, or through Libya unless specifically validated for that purpose," he said in a statement.

The ban has been in place since 1981 and has been extended every year since then. The last extension was due to expire at midnight on November 24.