An increase in anti-Western rhetoric is not expected to deter foreign investors from investing in Libya, as Muammar Gaddafi has stated that his political beliefs will not hinder economic reform. Gaddafi recently criticized Western corporate "colonialism" during speeches commemorating the 30th anniversary of his state of the masses Jamahiriyah system, which does not allow elections or political parties. Some analysts believe these comments were made to appease hardline aides concerned about losing power due to economic liberalization, and to express Libya's dissatisfaction with what they see as insufficient recognition from the West for giving up their weapons of mass destruction program in 2003. However, experts believe that Gaddafi's strong opinions, while genuine, will not impede the pro-business reforms he has introduced in Libya as an oil- and gas-exporting member of OPEC. Gaddafi has consistently expressed his disapproval of the pro-Western world economic order but acknowledges that Libya must cooperate with it to avoid economic disaster. Analysts believe his speeches are intended for domestic audiences, and oil companies are not deterred by his rhetoric. This behavior is seen as characteristic of Gaddafi's quirkiness, according to experts at Eurasia Group and PFC Energy consultants. Western companies may have concerns about the situation, but Gaddafi warns that Libyans need to be prepared for potential threats from Western oil firms trying to manipulate the country. Gaddafi stated that anyone promoting colonization will face consequences, and suggested that American companies would support a puppet ruler who promises them a large share of oil revenues. "Why not?" Analysts suggest that they will offer him a large sum of money in exchange for even greater profits. The speeches seem to be directed at members of powerful revolutionary committees who are concerned about their future in a more globally connected Libya. The primary role of these committees, made up of loyalists to Gaddafi, is to promote participation in government grassroots congresses and maintain adherence to his non-party beliefs. However, some members of these committees have benefited financially from their connections to the state, leading them to view a fairer and more transparent business environment as a challenge. "He is appealing to the original supporters who have been with him since the beginning," explained Mansour el-Kikhia, a Libyan political expert at the University of Texas. "These loyalists are worried that any change in his stance could impact them, so he needs to reassure them that they still have a role to play." Ashour Shamis, an experienced Libyan commentator based in the UK, suggested that Gaddafi's remarks should be viewed within the framework of a battle between those pushing for economic reform and those resisting it. "Both factions are unsure if they have his support." He is attempting to reassure the committees by stating that there may be some upcoming changes, but they will not impact the core of the system. Some believe that the increasing business connections with the West suggest that the reformists are gaining momentum. A delegation of top companies, led by the US-Libya Business Association, traveled to Tripoli in December 2006 and were informed about $25 billion in investment opportunities. "We were very impressed with the positive and productive discussions with the government," stated association director David Goldwyn. In February, Ahmed Fituri, the head of 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, visited Tripoli in February to attend the signing of an energy exploration venture. Claire Spencer of the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Britain suggested that the speeches made during the visit were also meant to indicate that Libya still needs to be courted and remains important. She mentioned that Libya feels it has been ignored since the weapons move in 2003, suspecting that the US believes it has already dealt with the country. Spencer also noted that the attention-grabbing rhetoric from Iran and Venezuela has shifted focus away from Libya. In 2004, the United States lifted a trade embargo on Libya that had been in place since 1986, and diplomatic ties were restored in 2006. However, there have been disagreements between the two parties regarding the Libyan government's payments of compensation to the families of the victims of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland. The attack, which was carried out by Libyan agents, resulted in the deaths of 270 individuals. Numerous relatives of the victims claim that Tripoli has not fulfilled its obligation to make full restitution payments.