- All the 55 Iraqis most wanted by the US occupying forces are welcome to apply for exile in Libya, according to Said al Islam Ghadafi, the second son of the country's leader, and Libya's favourite display abroad. Even Iraqi ex-President Saddam Hussein, who never counted among Ghadafi's best friends, would not be denied an exile in Libya.
Ghadafi junior, the leader's handsome son and representative abroad, told the international Arabic daily newspaper 'Asharq Al Awsat' that any member of the toppled Iraqi regime would be welcome to apply refuge for himself and his family in Libya. The occupying US forces are currently using pressure to prevent other countries from granting Saddam and his ex-colleagues exile, claiming they have the right to arrest them.
- We wouldn't have any objection to those coming to live in Libya, alone or with their families, Said al Islam Ghadafi told the Arabic daily in an interview. He however emphasised that so far, none of the Iraqis wanted by the US occupying troops have arrived Libya or applied for refuge.
But they indeed would be welcome, "including those in the list of 55 top Iraqi officials searched for by the US," Ghadafi junior said. "This is my personal opinion," the Libyan semi-official however said, adding that "I consider this list to be illegal because it is against the norms of international law."
The US are currently demanding that countries neighbouring Iraq not let ex-representatives from the Iraqi regime enter to seek refuge, especially the 55 persons "most wanted", which includes ex-President Saddam Hussein and his family. Syria and Iran officially have given into this pressure, fearing to become the next victims of US military aggressions.
Libya however has sought to stick to its independent line regarding the US invasion of Iraq. While Libyan leader Mohamar Ghadafi has confirmed "America's right to defend itself" against terrorism, he has also condemned the Arab collaboration with the US in the case of Iraq.
On the other hand, the arrival of Saddam and his aides to Libya is not likely to happen. The Tripoli and Baghdad regimes have not had friendly relations for decades. This grew into hostility after Tripoli strongly condemned the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Mr Ghadafi also defended the Kuwaitis' right to ask for US assistance against Iraq during the first Gulf War.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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