 Muammar Gaddafi arrived in Rome on Sunday as Italy prepares to mark the second anniversary of a friendship treaty signed between them and Libya.
Gaddafi landed with his customary following of female bodyguards, Arabian thoroughbreds and his Bedouin tent, the proposed location of which has been the subject of much debate.Gaddafi and Berlusconi will attend ceremonies on Monday to mark the anniversary and underscore strengthening relations. Gaddafi will also attend conferences, exhibitions, and meet with with Italian business leaders.
Gaddafi and his posse retinue are expected to entertain pedestrians with "spontaneous" walks round Romes city centre that amused the locals the last time he was in town. The street performer Libyan leader will also stage a repeat of the remarkable event of his last visit, when 200 attractive women recruited by an agency were invited to a villa and lectured on Islam by the ringmaster Libyan leader himself.
The women, who had come expecting a party and lavish gifts, were given copies of the Koran and a book of demented proverbs sayings by Chairman Gaddafi, as well as a 50-euro note.| "This has been your host, Muammar - thank you for playing Camel For A Day! You've all been great sports. Let's give them a big round of applause, folks." |
This time, the guests have been warned they will be attending "an important project of integration between two peoples adhering to different traditions and religious beliefs."| Remember to bring some caffeine and something to doodle on. |
Under the treaty signed two years ago, Italy offered a formal apology and financial compensation for the hardships suffered by Libyans during the colonial era. In return, Gaddafi promised to halt the waves of illegal migrants. This led to a series of bilateral investments estimated at 40 billion euros. Much of that money has come from Gaddafi, the main recipient of the countrys oil wealth. Over the past two years, the Crackpot Colonel has acquired stakes in many Italian companies, and he's now the fifth-biggest shareholder on the Milan stock exchange.
"Gaddafi's purchases have been guided by Berlusconi himself," said La Repubblica's Livini. "Nowhere is this more the case than with Unicredit," he added, referring to the hugely influential bank. Livini says these investments allow him to play a part in the management of numerous companies, including Il Corriere della Sera.
Meanwhile, Italy is now Libya's main trade partner, and Italian firms have have secured advantageous contracts in Libyas transport sector and in the development of natural resources. But the next step of the alliance, selling Italian arms to Libya, is likely to prove more dangerous controversial. |