Qathafi: Turkey is the Trojan horse of Muslims in the EU

Libya's leader Muammar al-Qathafi yesterday considered that the "Islamic World" will see in Turkey the "Trojan horse" in the European Union if it joins it. He doubted that the death of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will open a window of hope in the Middle East peace process.

Al-Qathafi said in an interview with the Italian "Ray" radio of which the Italian daily "La Republica" issued excerpts that the "Islamic world including Islamists extremists up to Osama Bin Laden welcome Turkey's joining the European Union. It is ( Turkey) their own Trojan horse." Al-Qathafi added "I did not say that ( Turkey) has not to join Europe, but I explained the consequences of this joining." He continued "I only say that there will be consequences for the horse upon entering Trojan.

On the illegal migration to Europe, al-Qathafi said that "Libya cannot alone halt millions of persons coming from Africa." He added "We want before anything else to prevent the access of emigrants to Libya. Because Libyans cannot be a police coats guards for Europe."

Al-Qathafi was asked on the sort of compensations he is looking for as for Libya's giving up the mass destruction weapons programs and he said "converting nuclear programs to civil use after we have decided to give up military programs." Al-Qathafi questioned "I know that the Americans and the Israelis said that Abu Ammar (Yasser Arafat) was the problem when he was alive. Abu Ammar died. so will peace be attained." He answered " No, I address this question to whom they said that Abu Ammar was the problem. The ball is now in their court."