Berlyskony, Qathafi inaugurate large gas project
Libya-Italy, Economics, 10/8/2004

The Italian prime minister Silvio Berlyskony in Tripoli yesterday called during the inauguration of a huge gas pipeline linking the Libyan city of Mleita and the Italian Cecile Island, with the participation of the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi to close the "file of the past considering that this project reflects the picture of friendship between the two countries."

The pipeline is extended for 450 Km and links Libya to Cecile. The cost of the project which is described as the largest of its kind in the world for the current year, is erected by the two Iralian Eini and Ajin companies and the state owned French " Gas De France" company at a cost of $ 6.5 billion.

Berlyskony said that the project reflects the picture of friendship between the two countries to close the file of the past and "I am proud that Italy was the first exporter and importer to Libya." He described al-Qathafi as "Italy's first friend." He added that the gas pipeline will provide Italy with 10% of its gas needs. He continued that "it is time to consider October 7th as a new holiday and the beginning of cooperation between our two peoples." The Italian forces invaded Libya that day ( October 7th ) in 1911. Libya expelled the Italian forces the same day from its lands in 1970.

For his part, Qathafi said that "this day witnesses Italy's invasion to Libya, the expulsion of Italy from Libya. We call that day 'the day of revenge.' It is a black day in the history of the two peoples and we have decided today to work for linking Italy and Libya by life- driving energy. It is a great day." He also described Beyrleskony as a "friend." He said that Libya extends its hand for peace and the two countries are friends exchanging mutual interests."

Previous Stories:
  Qathafi calls on Berliskony to open an Italian- Libyan gas pipeline   (10/7/2004)
  Italy seeks to establish camps in Libya to bring back immigrants   (9/28/2004)
  Italy will no longer observe sanctions against Libya   (9/18/2004)
  Al-Qathafi calls on Italy to speed up compensating the Libyan people   (9/1/2004)
  Italian oil group sings agreement with Libyan government   (7/28/1999)
  Libyan, Italian agricultural talks   (6/24/1999)

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