Posted on 08/26/2009 10:46:13 PM PDT by smokingfrog
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi may pitch his tent in a New Jersey suburb during a visit to the United Nations. But Michael Wildes, the mayor of Englewood, New Jersey isn't rolling out the welcome mat.
"I don't want him to sleep here," Wildes told AFP.
The Libyan leader, saying he wants to stay true to his Bedouin roots, camps in a tent when he travels, setting up his sleeping quarters everywhere from Rome's main park to a garden across from the Elysee Palace in Paris.
Gaddafi's visit to attend the opening of the UN General Assembly has set off a round of diplomatic handwringing in Washington, coming so soon after the hero's homecoming that Libya gave last week to the only man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie airplane bombing.
But in Englewood, a bedroom community of some 30,000 people across the Hudson river from New York City where Gaddafi plans to stay on the grounds of a Libyan diplomat, feelings are especially raw because families of many of the 270 victims of the bombing live nearby.
"Here, 38 families have lost parents, a friend of mine lost his father, Lockerbie has had an impact on my life," said Wildes, 44.
"My citizens are furious, I am furious," he said.
The Scottish government last week ordered the release on compassionate ground of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, saying the Lockerbie bomber had prostate cancer and only a few months to live.
US anger over the decision flamed higher when al-Megrahi flew home with Gaddafi's to a flag waving celebration by hundreds of well-wishers in Tripoli.
The mayor said he would take part in a demonstration to be held Sunday in front of Libyan diplomatic property, which officials have been sprucing up in advance of the Gaddafi visit.
(Excerpt) Read more at france24.com ...
I had no idea the people of New Jersey were so particular about the politicians they allowed in the state.
“I don’t want him”????
Wow, what a strong politician. /sarc
How about:
“I will have him arrested for the murder of New Jersey citizens, and any federal official who tries to prevent the arrest will taken into custody for interfering with a police officer”
I hear tents are easily set on fire....just sayin’...
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