Qathafi criticizes Annan's suggestions for foreign intervention in Darfur

Libya's leader Muammar al-Qathafi criticized proposals given by the UN secretary general Kofi Annan over the Sudanese Darfur district, in which Annan called on the NATO and the European Union to interfere in the district.

In statements broadcast by the Libyan news agency on late Monday evening, al-Qathafi described Annan's statements as very grave and trying to block the continued African efforts, warning that if Annan's statements will be implemented into the ground it will convert Sudan into a second Iraq.

The Libyan leader threatened that in case any foreign intervention will take place in the district he will halt his contacts with the people of Darfur in order to reach a solution for the crisis in implementation of the decision of the African five member summit which was held in Tripoli on October 17, 2004.

Al-Qathafi is linked to firm relations with the government of Khartoum and with tribes and rebels in Darfur which adjoins Libya and Chad.

In a security press conference in Germany on Sunday, Annan called for NATO officials and those of the European Union to interfere in Darfur, noting that the African Union mission in the region "is not enough to deal with the challenge reflected in this problem."