France has reportedly agreed to sell AMX-30 heavy tanks and other military equipment to Libya. The basic agreement was reached during the current visit here of Libyan Premier Abdel Salam Jalloud. French ministers and President Georges Pompidou reportedly warned Jalloud that should the Egyptian-Libyan federation materialize “France would be forced to reconsider the entire issue.”
Jalloud, who is due to leave Paris tomorrow, conferred here during his week stay with President Pompidou, Premier Pierre Messmer, Defense Minister Michel Debre and Foreign Minister Maurice Schuman. The talks were devoted in large part to economic and technical projects, Jalloud, according to reliable sources, asked France to supply the equipment necessary for the construction of several desalination plants. The first phase of the project would cost several million dollars. The possibility of Franco-Libyan oil cooperation was discussed at some length. A Libyan ministerial mission is due to arrive here next month to negotiate the implementation of these projects.
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