Italy to pay $5 billion to Libya for colonial rule

[Dover]

Source: Associated Press

In return, the European nation wants crackdown on illegal migrants

BENGHAZI, LIBYA — Italy agreed Saturday to pay Libya $5 billion as compensation for its 30-year occupation of the country, which ended in 1943.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi signed a memorandum pledging a $5 billion compensation package involving construction projects, student grants and pensions for Libyan soldiers who served with Italy during World War II.

"It is a material and emotional recognition of the mistakes that our country has done to yours during the colonial era," Berlusconi told reporters at the airport on his arrival.

In return, Italy wants Libya to crack down on the thousands of illegal migrants smuggled to Italian shores. Libya largely hasn't delivered on pledges over the last few years to eliminate the problem.

Rome is also keen on increasing its already long-consolidated energy ties with Tripoli. Libya is a big supplier of natural gas and oil to Italy.



Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/world/5975842.html

[glowing]

1. Wow, we'll pay you to keep your poor people out of our Italy..

[matt007]

2. Italys only other colony was Somalia

Wonder If they'll do the same for them :(

Colonial reparations are a good thing If well executed

[BunkerHill24]

7. You know your history...well done

[trthnd4jstc]

3. Will the US ever have to pay for stealing the American Indian Lands?

I wonder. Unfortunately, this nation has done many crimes against humanity, and still has yet to pay the piper. There is vast tyranny and lies and oppression that continue, and need to be abated, if we are to have a true government of the people, by the people and for the people. I am thankful that the Libyans are being compensated for the crimes against them. It is about time. The world needs to be straightened out. All of the wealthy who gained their wealth by thievery, which I consider imperialism, thievery, need to lose their ill gotten gains.

[izquierdista]

5. They are on the time payment plan

The money flows from compulsive gamblers to the tribes via casinos and gaming establishments.

[Demeter]

4. Where Is Italy Going to Get $5 Billion?

That's a lot of sofa cushions to look behind.

[FarLeftRage]

6. Fucking berlusconi!!

What a POS "it" is!!

ALL of Italia Del Nord can go to hell on this one!

Racists mo-fos!

[Regret My New Name]

8. What's with the rage?

Is this a bad thing???

[FarLeftRage]

9. In a way, it is bad...

berlusconi and the Italian Northern League are a bunch of Fascist - Mussolini wannabe's... and racists to boot.

I have a gut feeling that this is a plain ol' political trick on Libya.

Would we pay Mexico or other Latin American nations to keep their citizens home and not come to America?

This a very subtle form of racism at best.

[davidinalameda]

11. if the governments would use the money to create jobs there

instead of people coming here illegally, then I think it's a great idea

[panzerfaust]

10. I wonder if we can get money from the UK?