Arabic/Eng/Nat Libya is banking on tourism to rescue its battered economy, when the embargo against the country is finally lifted. Sanctions have been in force since 1992 following Libya's refusal to surrender the Lockerbie bomb suspects for trial. Now, as the world marks the tenth anniversary of the bombing, Libyans are waiting for a deal that would end the air embargo - and allow tourists in to visit. The twinkling lights of a fairground at night. Smart stores stocked with luxury clothing and consumer goods. All appears prosperous. But appearances can deceive. For this is Libya, seven years into the embargo. Most of the shoppers here are browsing, not buying. This is the harsh reality of life for most Libyans. It's a daily struggle to survive in Tripoli, a city that's been brought to its knees by economic sanctions. No wonder the traders here can't wait for the air embargo to be lifted - so that foreign tourists can return and bring the good times back with them: SOUNDBITE: (Arabic): "Tourism will increase when sanctions are lifted. The problem now is the air embargo. It stops people from visiting. The airport is closed so tourists can't come here. So there's no tourism. Right?" SUPER CAPTION: Libyan market trader Tripoli may be one of the least-visited cities in North Africa, but it's also one of the most beautiful. The few international hotels here look out onto swaying palm trees and the Mediterranean beyond. From the Gadhafi posters on Green Square, to the Italianate square that fronts the city's former cathedral - now a mosque - there's an air of crumbling elegance about the place. The handful of tourists who do make it to Tripoli - after a gruelling overland journey from neighbouring Tunisia - say it's well worth the trek. But these German visitors believe that even if sanctions were lifted immediately, it would take some time for tourism to take off here: SOUNDBITE: (English): "I think Tripoli and the rest of Libya is very interesting. In former times this must have been a very beautiful city. You can see it in the windows and doors. But unfortunately they don't have the money or the attitude to improve things like sanitation." SUPER CAPTION: German tourist SOUNDBITE: (German): "I can't imagine that tourists would start flooding in all at once. Certainly it would take a while for tourism to start up, and there's also the question of publicising Libya in countries such as Germany." SUPER CAPTION: German tourist Twilight in Tripoli - and the people of Libya head home to prepare for another day of sanctions. There's genuine hope here that the embargo may finally be about to end. But while Gadhafi stalls on handing over the Lockerbie suspects, the sanctions will stay in place and the tourists, away. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/1cad1e4df095653b47b9923246c49e2f Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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