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AROUND THE WORLD 2: Libyan Leader in Europe

Moammar Gadhafi, the leader of the North African country Libya, visited the European continent for the first time in fifteen years. In fact, it was his first time visiting any region outside the Middle East or Africa in many years. The trip represented a new relationship between Libya and the rest of the world. Previously, Libya had been an isolated, hostile country, accused of harboring terrorists. Recently, however, Gadhafi has made great efforts to re-join the international community and make up for his past actions and his reputation as the leader of a rogue nation.

Gadhafi was greeted in the Belgian capital city, Brussels. Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union. Gadhafi met with a number of leaders from different European countries. Among other things, the Libyan leader and the Europeans discussed business investment in Libya, weapons of mass destruction, the war in Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Libya's future role in the international community. The visit was considered to be very successful, even though Gadhafi did insert some sharp criticisms of Western democracy, and of the United States and Great Britain in particular.

Gadhafi always manages to draw attention and controversy, and he has a reputation for being eccentric. For example, he went to Europe dressed in traditional Bedouin robes, with a large entourage. A particularly noteworthy group in his company were the female bodyguards who protected him. Having female bodyguards was unusual enough, but their presence was even more unusual because they were wearing blue camouflage outfits. Also present were groups of both supporters and protesters. About 200 people were there to offer support and praise to Gadhafi, while a number of others stood by to protest his policies and his human rights record. Gadhafi's government has been known to arrest, torture or execute political opponents and people who criticize the government.

The Libyan leader does deserve praise for his recent efforts to get rid of weapons of mass destruction and contribute to peace, however, many people will not forget the human rights violations that have occurred inside Libya since Gadhafi took control in 1969. The world will be watching to see how a new relationship between Europe and Libya will affect Gadhafi's policies inside and outside of his country.

--Written by Betsy Mesard

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