By Prensa Latina
Paris : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s controversial visit to France changed its tone on Wednesday, when the visitor challenged the West on human rights matters.
During his meetings with intellectuals and at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Libyan president asked the developed countries if they really considered themselves unimpeachable regarding their respect for human rights.
Some leaders of the conservative government of President Nicolas Sarkozy and the opposition questioned Gaddafi’s presence here and criticized his career.
Apparently unaware of the negative reaction from public opinion, Gaddafi asked western countries to exercise self-criticism before throwing darts at him.
“Europeans are outbidding us on human rights and they are asking us about the respect of human rights in our countries. Foreigners are abused in Europe and they are asking about the respect of human rights,” he said.
“We, Africans, are victims of injustice. They brought us here like cattle to do hard and dirty work, and then they throw us to live on the outskirts of towns and when we claim our rights, the police beat us,” he recalled.
Bilateral relations between Libya and France took a leap on Monday, when agreements worth more than ten billion euros were signed.
The accords include Libya buying 21 Airbus planes and cooperation on the development of nuclear energy with civilian ends.
On the other hand, France will supply Libya with some reactors to help “the exploration and exploitation of uranium and water desalinization” under a legislative and administrative regime.
Gaddafi will travel to Madrid on Saturday for a four-day visit during which he will meet with Spanish King Juan Carlos and President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.