ROME (AP) – Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is to deliver speeches to Italian lawmakers and to students at a Rome university as his first visit to Italy continues.
Gadhafi had been set to speak Thursday inside the Italian Senate, a rare honor for visiting dignitaries. But opposition lawmakers balked, forcing the speech to be moved to a palazzo next door. Some politicians have criticized the red-carpet welcome granted by Italy to Libya’s strongman.
Security was tight amid fears of protests. Gadhafi later goes to Rome’s centuries-old Sapienza University.
Gadhafi hailed a “new era” in relations with Italy, Libya’s former colonial ruler, as he arrived on Wednesday. He said that a $5 billion compensation agreement proved Italy was sorry for its colonial rule.
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities. Launched in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat has established itself as the decisive publication on pan-Arab and international affairs, offering its readers in-depth analysis and exclusive editorials, as well as the most comprehensive coverage of the entire Arab world.
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