Gadhafi Leaves Arab Summit in 'Disgust'

Saturday, May 22, 2004

(11:06 PM ET)

The Associated Press

Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali condemned the assassination of Palestinian political leaders and the killing of civilians, and called for more international efforts to reactivate the U.S.-backed ``road map'' peace plan that envisages a Palestinian state by next year. He also called for international protection of the Palestinian people and a halt to Israeli ``violations.''

-- Yasser Arafat

Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi gestures during a news conference in Tunis, Saturday May 22, 2004. Tunis hosts a two-day 16th ordinary session of Arab Summit to discuss the situation in Iraq, the recent escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories and reforming of the Arab League as well as a response to a U.S. proposal for political reform in the Middle East.

Image Credit: Hassene Dridi -- AP

TUNIS, Tunisia -- AP
Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi walked out of an Arab League summit Saturday, shattering attempts at unity on the opening day of the gathering expected to fashion a response to democratic reforms advocated by the United States.

Arab leaders at the annual summit were united in outrage over the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq, according to draft resolutions that also condemned terrorism and reiterated calls for Arab-Israeli peace.

But Gadhafi said he was puzzled at the need for the conclave and threatened to pull his country out of the 22-member Arab League. The meeting was already postponed once because of deep divisions.

``What's the significance of this Arab gathering?'' Gadhafi said before packing up and leaving Tunis. ``How can this summit convene while there are two Arab presidents in jail?

``I am disgusted.''

Gadhafi was referring to Saddam Hussein and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who has been holed up in his West Bank headquarters for more than two years, besieged by Israeli forces.

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2004 © The Associated Press.

Dan