An increase in anti-Western rhetoric is unlikely to deter foreign investors from Libya, as Muammar Gaddafi has emphasized that his political beliefs will not hinder economic reform. Gaddafi recently criticized Western corporate "colonialism" during speeches commemorating the 30th anniversary of his Jamahiriyah system, which prohibits elections and political parties. These remarks may be an attempt to appease hardline advisors concerned about potential marginalization due to economic liberalization, as well as express Libya's dissatisfaction with what they perceive as inadequate recognition from the West for giving up their weapons of mass destruction program in 2003. However, analysts believe that while Gaddafi's sentiments are sincere, they will not jeopardize the pro-business reforms he has endorsed in the OPEC member country known for its oil and gas exports. Gaddafi has consistently expressed his disdain for the pro-Western world economic order, but acknowledges that Libya must collaborate with it to avoid economic ruin. Analyst Geoff Porter believes Gaddafi's speeches are mainly intended for a domestic audience, as oil companies continue to operate without being deterred by his rhetoric. Monica Enfield of PFC Energy consultants views Gaddafi's behavior as typical of his eccentricity. Western companies may be hesitant due to concerns raised by Libyan leader Gaddafi about the possibility of them installing a puppet ruler. Gaddafi warned against any attempts to colonize Libya, stating that those who try will face consequences. Gaddafi suggested that American companies would be willing to support a ruler who promises them a large share of oil revenues. "Why not?" Analysts suggest that they will provide him with millions of dollars in order to make billions. The speeches seem to be directed towards members of powerful revolutionary committees who are concerned about their future in a more globally connected Libya. The purpose of the committees, made up of supporters of Gaddafi, is to promote participation in government congresses and uphold loyalty to his ideology. Some members of these committees have benefited financially from their connections to the state, leading them to view a more transparent business environment as a potential challenge. "He is appealing to the group of people who have been with him from the beginning," explained Mansour el-Kikhia, a Libyan political expert at the University of Texas. "This group is worried that any changes in his stance could impact them, so he needs to reassure them that they are still important." Ashour Shamis, a long-time Libyan commentator based in the UK, suggested that Gaddafi's statements should be viewed within the larger debate between those who support and oppose economic reform. "Both sides are uncertain about where they stand with him." He is attempting to reassure the committees by suggesting that there may be changes in the future, but they will not impact the main part of the system. Some believe that the increasing business connections with the West show that the reformists are gaining support. A group of leading companies, led by the US-Libya Business Association, traveled to Tripoli in December 2006 and were informed about $25 billion worth of investment opportunities. "We were very impressed with the positive and productive discussions we had with the government," stated David Goldwyn, the director of the association. In February, Ahmed Fituri, who heads the Americas department at Libya's foreign ministry, became the highest-ranking official to visit Washington since the announcement in 2003. Rex Tillerson, the chairman of Exxon Mobil, the world's largest publicly listed oil company, visited Tripoli in February to participate in the signing of an energy exploration deal. Claire Spencer from the Royal Institute of International Affairs suggested that the speeches made during the visit were a way to show that Libya still needs to be courted and is still important. She mentioned that Libya may feel ignored since the 2003 weapons incident, suspecting that the US may think it has already dealt with Libya. Spencer also noted that Libya may be using more extreme rhetoric to gain attention, especially compared to Iran and Venezuela. In 2004, the US lifted a trade embargo on Libya that had been in place since 1986, and diplomatic relations were restored in 2006. The two parties have disagreed about the payments made by Libya to the families of those who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland. The bomb, which was connected to Libyan agents, resulted in the deaths of 270 individuals. Some of the victims' family members claim that Tripoli has not fulfilled its obligations to make full restitution payments.