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.