Libya warns Italy over possible ministerial appointment in next Berlusconi government

[SpikeTss]

Source: The Associated Press

ROME: 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

[izquierdista]

1. Which one to pick?

Shall we go with the fascist nutball who would use Catholicism to hornswaggle people? Or should we be diplomatic with an Islamic nutball neighbor who sends us all our oil? Decisions, decisions...

In a just world, they would both be cell-mates in a lock-up for the criminally insane.

[DeSwiss]

2. You said it!

Along with fellow cellmates George and Dick! Of course, that'd be in a just world....

- Hey, you're at 999! Welcome to the Thousandneer's Club

[izquierdista]

3. I wouldn't want to belong to a club

that would have me for a member. So I'll quit posting before I hit 1000.

Oh damn, too late! :hi:

[Igel]

4. They really should gloss names from time to time.

"Seif al-Islam" isn't a traditional, standard kind of name.

Glossed: "The sword of Islam".

And people think a "boy named Sue" would have it rough. "Excuse me, Mr. Qaddhafi, sire, but the Sword of Islam was absent from school today." I wonder if he goes by "Sword" or "Islam" for short.

[Psephos]

5. Propaganda by Gadhafi's son purely for domestic consumption, nothing more

lol