| 26.12.2003
In several recent diplomatic fiascoes, the Libyan regime
is desperately trying to give the Libyan people the perception
that relations with the United States and the United Kingdom
are getting back to normal. These rumors are basically designed
to preempt the growing resentment bubbling hot just below
the thin surface of the Libyan street. Here are some of
these failed, miserable, and vulgar attempts:
On December 23rd, 2003 Gadhafi's son, Saif El-Islam, made
the following comments to the London based Saudi daily Asharq
al-Awsat in a telephone interview:
"The British Premier will visit Tripoli at the beginning
of next year, followed by a visit by US President George
Bush,"
"I foresee (the Bush visit) happening after the lifting
of US sanctions which I believe should happen within three
months at most,"
"The United States had committed itself to protecting
us from any sort of attack"
"Consultations to conclude security and military accords
with the Americans that would lead to joint military maneuvers
in the future."
Was the Libyan Foreign Minister inviting himself to visit
Britain?
According to AFP "On Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, Libya's
official JANA news agency reported that Foreign Minister
Abdel Rahman Shalgham had received an invitation from his
British counterpart Jack Straw to visit London. "
On December 25th, 2003 Al-Sharq Al-Awsat published an article
that stated there was no immediate comments in Washington
about Bush's plans. Also a spokeswoman in Blair's London
office said: "We do not comment on the Prime Minister's
movements for security reasons."
As for the JANA's announcement of a visit by Mr. Shalgham
to London, Asharq al-Awsat on December 25, 2003 quoted the
British Foreign Minister's spokesman as saying "No
decision has been taken. We will look into this in the New
Year"
In a sign of the pressure Gadhafi is feeling, his regime
is desperately looking for a mere public acknowledgment
by the USA and the UK. These desperate maneuvers are designed
to quell any sense of hope or optimism among the majority
of the Libyan people that the end of tyranny is near. It
is becoming increasingly obvious that the real fear Gadhafi
has is from his own very oppressed but angry people.
For further information please contact: Dr. Mohamed M.
Bugaighis, info@alfa-online.net at 617-212-6725.
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