Source:
The Associated PressROME: Italian officials accused Libya on Saturday of interference after Moammar Gadhafi's eldest son warned there would be "catastrophic consequences" in relations between the two countries if a maverick politician becomes a minister in the next Italian government.
The politician in question, Roberto Calderoli, once wore a T-shirt that featured cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
Conservative leader Silvio Berlusconi, who won a general election last month, is expected to name his Cabinet list next week. There has been speculation that he will include Calderoli, who is known for his provocative gestures.
A charity headed by the Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's son warned Friday against a Calderoli appointment.
Seif al-Islam Gadhafi "cautions against the seriousness of the issue," said a statement released by the Gadhafi International Foundation for Charity Associations. Calderoli's "reappointment will have catastrophic consequences on the Libyan-Italian relations," the statement said
...
Calderoli responded that it is up to Berlusconi to decide who should be in his government. And Italian officials from across the political spectrum fired back at Gadhafi.
"The formation and makeup of the new government is an internal matter," outgoing Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said in a statement.
Calderoli's Northern League allies were more vocal. The Northern League is a key Berlusconi partner and is expected to feature significantly in the next government.
Read more:
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/03/europe/EU-GEN-Italy-Libya.php
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(308 posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore