Gaddafi calls on Arab states to remove barriers and shackles

In his meeting with students and professors from Egyptian universities, Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi confirmed that the Arab states have failed to reach a national patriotic unity or even the economic integration achieved in many regions of the world, citing the example of the European Union.

He also called on the Arab states to remove barriers and shackles between them to achieve Arab unity.

Gaddafi, moreover, supported the delay in proclaiming the Palestinian state until after May 4, if the delay would guarantee that Europe and international countries would recognize the state, saying: "We have been patient tens of years and we can wait for more than six months, yet as a diplomat I advise Arafat not to proclaim the state till we can obtain Europe's recognition, according to what Arafat has said during our first meeting that about 80 countries would recognize the Palestinian state," adding that delaying the state is not beneficial to Israel, but it shows political flexibility from Arafat.

Meanwhile, Gaddafi laid the responsibility for not implementing the agreements signed with Palestine on the Israeli government to make the Palestinians miss the chance to declare their state, saying that Arafat should not give concern to the United States advice, because it is always standing with Israel.