Colonel Gaddafi looks more like a ruthless mafia boss than a world leader. I clearly remember him in the 80s and I must say he looks even dodgier now than ever. Why on earth would anyone engage in any play with him?
I fear that the recent furore of freeing Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi’s as a good will gesture to close trade tides between UK and Libya may mark the downfall of Gordon Brown and consequently the possibility of the Labour Party being ousted in the next general election. No doubt the hyena pack, lead by Cameron, will hasten calls for an election.
When news first broke out that David Milliband, foreign secretary, decision to release terminally ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds, the debate centred around whether the decision was right or wrong, whether compassion should be granted to a bomber who was responsible for the deaths of almost three hundred people. It is well know that world leaders by pass legal channels to expedite prisoners to secure trade. However no monetary links were made, not in the mass media at least. Only last week Mr Milliband ardently dismissed claims to any business relations.
The bomb dropped when Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, insisted that the decision to free Megrahi was tied to trade links between UK and Libya. Gaddafi himself went on Libyan television to praise "my friend" Brown and the British government for its part in securing Megrahi's freedom. Further speculation came with the disclosure that the business secretary, Lord Mandelson, met Saif earlier this month while holidaying on the Greek island of Corfu.
Libya is the tenth greatest oil supplier in the world. The Guardian reported:
Libya's greatest importance, however, lies in trade with the UK, which reached more than £1bn last year and could increase exponentially if Libya's estimated £43.7bn of oil reserves can be tapped. In 2007, oil giant BP signed a near £1bn deal to explore part of the Ghadames Basin, an area bordering Tunisia. Last week, just a day before Megrahi was returned, BP said it was seeking companies keen to win contracts to start drilling. British Gas and Royal Dutch Shell have also signed deals. Aerospace firm BAE Systems is eyeing the market closely, while retailers like Marks & Spencer and Next are opening stores in Libya's capital, Tripoli. In the first five months of 2009, UK exports to Libya rose 49%, to £166m
What strikes me is how flippant Gaddafi & Co. have been in publicly revealing the ‘deal’. It’s a no brainer what the repercussions for Brown will be. I cannot help but wonder perhaps there are ulterior motives on the Gaddafi camp. Poor Mr Brown, he has been out played and out witted, again!
We ought to cut Brown some slack. Britain, like many European countries, is suffering from a mayor energy crisis. Billions will be invested in wind energy within the next few years which will supply a meagre amount of energy required. Securing (questionable) supplies from Libya will satisfy some needs. Furthermore, Megrahi is terminally ill and has the right to die in his home land. Compassion in exchange for fuel. Unfortunately, many don’t see the arguments.
The British public are a compassionate bunch , but the Lockerbie bombing may still harbour raw nerves in our psyche. England wining the Ashes may divert attention for a day or two, but this scandal will not be easily forgotten or forgiven.
I fear that the recent furore of freeing Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi’s as a good will gesture to close trade tides between UK and Libya may mark the downfall of Gordon Brown and consequently the possibility of the Labour Party being ousted in the next general election. No doubt the hyena pack, lead by Cameron, will hasten calls for an election.
When news first broke out that David Milliband, foreign secretary, decision to release terminally ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds, the debate centred around whether the decision was right or wrong, whether compassion should be granted to a bomber who was responsible for the deaths of almost three hundred people. It is well know that world leaders by pass legal channels to expedite prisoners to secure trade. However no monetary links were made, not in the mass media at least. Only last week Mr Milliband ardently dismissed claims to any business relations.
The bomb dropped when Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, insisted that the decision to free Megrahi was tied to trade links between UK and Libya. Gaddafi himself went on Libyan television to praise "my friend" Brown and the British government for its part in securing Megrahi's freedom. Further speculation came with the disclosure that the business secretary, Lord Mandelson, met Saif earlier this month while holidaying on the Greek island of Corfu.
Libya is the tenth greatest oil supplier in the world. The Guardian reported:
Libya's greatest importance, however, lies in trade with the UK, which reached more than £1bn last year and could increase exponentially if Libya's estimated £43.7bn of oil reserves can be tapped. In 2007, oil giant BP signed a near £1bn deal to explore part of the Ghadames Basin, an area bordering Tunisia. Last week, just a day before Megrahi was returned, BP said it was seeking companies keen to win contracts to start drilling. British Gas and Royal Dutch Shell have also signed deals. Aerospace firm BAE Systems is eyeing the market closely, while retailers like Marks & Spencer and Next are opening stores in Libya's capital, Tripoli. In the first five months of 2009, UK exports to Libya rose 49%, to £166m
What strikes me is how flippant Gaddafi & Co. have been in publicly revealing the ‘deal’. It’s a no brainer what the repercussions for Brown will be. I cannot help but wonder perhaps there are ulterior motives on the Gaddafi camp. Poor Mr Brown, he has been out played and out witted, again!
We ought to cut Brown some slack. Britain, like many European countries, is suffering from a mayor energy crisis. Billions will be invested in wind energy within the next few years which will supply a meagre amount of energy required. Securing (questionable) supplies from Libya will satisfy some needs. Furthermore, Megrahi is terminally ill and has the right to die in his home land. Compassion in exchange for fuel. Unfortunately, many don’t see the arguments.
The British public are a compassionate bunch , but the Lockerbie bombing may still harbour raw nerves in our psyche. England wining the Ashes may divert attention for a day or two, but this scandal will not be easily forgotten or forgiven.
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