An increase in anti-Western rhetoric is not expected to deter foreign investors from Libya because Muammar Gaddafi has assured that his political beliefs will not hinder economic reform. Gaddafi criticized Western corporate "colonialism" in speeches commemorating the 30th anniversary of his state of the masses Jamahiriyah system, which prohibits elections and political parties. This criticism is seen as an attempt to appease hardline aides concerned about being marginalized by economic liberalization, and may also indicate Libya's dissatisfaction with what it perceives as insufficient recognition from the West for giving up its weapons of mass destruction program in 2003. However, analysts believe that despite being sincere, Gaddafi's views will not jeopardize the pro-business reforms he has introduced in the OPEC member country known for its oil and gas exports. Gaddafi has consistently expressed his disapproval of the Western economic order, but acknowledges that Libya must cooperate with it to avoid economic collapse. Analysts believe that his speeches are primarily meant for domestic audiences, as oil companies continue to operate without being deterred by his rhetoric. According to Monica Enfield of PFC Energy consultants, Gaddafi's behavior is seen as eccentric. Western companies may have concerns, but Gaddafi warned that Libyans will be prepared to defend against any attempts by Western oil companies to manipulate their government. Gaddafi stated that any attempts to colonize Libya will be met with resistance, as evidenced by the willingness of American companies to support a puppet ruler in exchange for oil profits. "Why not?" Analysts believe that influential revolutionary committees may be offered millions in order to gain billions. The speeches are targeted towards those who fear losing their place in a new Libya that is becoming more open to the world. The committees of Gaddafi supporters are responsible for promoting attendance at grassroots congresses and ensuring loyalty to his no-party ideology. However, some committee members have benefited financially from their connections to the state, and they may view a more transparent business environment as a challenge. "He is appealing to the original supporters who rose to power with him," explained Mansour el-Kikhia, a Libyan political expert at the University of Texas. "These loyalists fear that any change in his stance could impact them, so he must reassure them of their continued importance." Ashour Shamis, an experienced Libyan commentator based in the UK, suggested that Gaddafi's statements should be understood within the framework of a debate over economic reform, with both sides unsure of his allegiance. He is attempting to reassure the committees by suggesting that there may be some upcoming changes, but they will not impact the main structure of the system. Some believe that the increasing business connections with the West signal that the reformists are gaining momentum. A group of leading 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 by the positive and productive discussions we had with the government," said David Goldwyn, director of the association. In February, Ahmed Fituri, head of Libya's foreign ministry's Americas department, became the highest-ranking official to visit Washington since the 2003 announcement. 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 agreement. Claire Spencer from Britain's Royal Institute of International Affairs suggested that the speeches given during the visit may have been a way to show that Libya still requires attention and remains significant. She mentioned that Libya feels neglected since the weapons of mass destruction incident in 2003 and believes that the US may think it has already dealt with the country. Spencer also noted that Libya sees attention being drawn to Iran and Venezuela due to their provocative rhetoric. The United States lifted a trade embargo on Libya in 2004 and reestablished diplomatic relations in 2006. The two parties have disagreed on Libyan payments to compensate the families of those who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland, which was connected to Libyan agents and resulted in the deaths of 270 people. Some relatives of the victims believe that Tripoli has not finished making restitution payments.