Gadaffi says sorry
Apr 01, 2008
In an unprecedented move, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gadaffi has apologised to Uganda over the remarks he made during his visit last month to close the Afro-Arab Youth Summit in Uganda and to open up Old Kampala mosque. During his visit, Gadaffi made utterances to the effect that the Holy Bible was
By Timothy Bukumunhe
In an unprecedented move, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gadaffi has apologised to Uganda over the remarks he made during his visit last month to close the Afro-Arab Youth Summit in Uganda and to open up Old Kampala mosque. During his visit, Gadaffi made utterances to the effect that the Holy Bible was altered, and certain references to the name Muhammed were selectively removed. His remarks caused an outcry from Christians in Uganda.
However, since his return to Libya, Gadaffi appears to have had a change of heart. According to a statement released by the Libyan authorities, Gadaffi was taken aback by the uproar that his utterances caused.
“By the time the great leader of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya realised that something was wrong, it was too late. Damage appears to have been done.â€
While the statement does not specifically mention that Gadaffi has apologised, it does seem to apply and concur with press reports that Gadaffi cut short his visit and left unceremoniously in fear of causing another Christian outburst.
But the most dramatic statement comes on the last page of the document which indicates that the name Muammar Gadaffi may apparently be no more. Interpretation of the document implies that Gadaffi is set to invite Ugandan Bishops to Libya to discuss the Bible and has indicated that he may, in addition to Muammar, adopted a Christian name - perhaps Joseph of Ninevia to coincide with today being April 1, the Fools Day!
In an unprecedented move, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gadaffi has apologised to Uganda over the remarks he made during his visit last month to close the Afro-Arab Youth Summit in Uganda and to open up Old Kampala mosque. During his visit, Gadaffi made utterances to the effect that the Holy Bible was altered, and certain references to the name Muhammed were selectively removed. His remarks caused an outcry from Christians in Uganda.
However, since his return to Libya, Gadaffi appears to have had a change of heart. According to a statement released by the Libyan authorities, Gadaffi was taken aback by the uproar that his utterances caused.
“By the time the great leader of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya realised that something was wrong, it was too late. Damage appears to have been done.â€
While the statement does not specifically mention that Gadaffi has apologised, it does seem to apply and concur with press reports that Gadaffi cut short his visit and left unceremoniously in fear of causing another Christian outburst.
But the most dramatic statement comes on the last page of the document which indicates that the name Muammar Gadaffi may apparently be no more. Interpretation of the document implies that Gadaffi is set to invite Ugandan Bishops to Libya to discuss the Bible and has indicated that he may, in addition to Muammar, adopted a Christian name - perhaps Joseph of Ninevia to coincide with today being April 1, the Fools Day!