AL-QADHDHAFI INTERVIEWED BY LEBANESE MAGAZINE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP05-01559R000400420004-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 12, 2012
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: January 26, 1987
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

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LD27/2S8 JF(giers Domestic Service '~ Arabic
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NORTH AFRICA Q 1
e Richter Scale was recorded
s southwest of Chelif. According
quake Monitoring Center in
which occured at 0011, was fol-
ors; the most recent of which was
ours. According to preliminary
Wilaya of Tissemsilt, this
occurred in the
e), and Safiet, killed
families homeless.
aby, irtjured 7 people
Immediate ~ afterward, members of provi a coordination
groups to the damaged regions to supervise t aid operation
by Walid al-Husayni, editor in chie Al-Ki/ah - ra , in
the Gulf of Sidra; date not given]
[Interview with Libyan leader Colone((Mu`ammar al-Qadhdha
26 Jan 87 pp 14-16
AI-Qadhdhafi Interviewed by Lebanese Magazine
NC270916 Beirut AL-KlFAH AL-'ARAB! in Arabic
[Text) [AI-Husayni] I am sure you have read the negative reac-
tions in Lebanon to your attacks on the Shiites. As a national
leader and one of the foremost advocates of Arab unity, and
because you are the first of the few leaders in present times to
call for Islam without sects, what are your motives for these
attacks?
[Al-QadhdhafiJ In fact, my target was not the Shiites, whose
struggle as part of the Lebanese people's struggle against the
Israeli enemy I respect. My target was sectarianism. Asa Mus-
lim I do not believe in Sunnism, the Shiite, Druze, `Alawite, or
Ismaili sect. I believe in Islam and consider sectarianism to be
an emulation of Christianity. A genuine Muslim would not join
any sect. There are several verses of the holy Koran that forbid
this. Therefore, sectarianism is a deviation from the teachings of
Islam. Sects do not exist in the principles of Islam., They are .
innovations, as proved by the fact they emerged and grew after
the death of the prophet. For this reason our calendar dates from
the death of the prophet, on the principle that the break in the
link between heaven and earth made all innovations in Islam civil
and secular issues. Since these sects appeared after the death of
the prophet Muhammad, they are invalid. There must be a return
to non-sectarian Islam, in order to unify Muslims. This is what
we believe the course of Islam should be. I am against all sects,
which is what I meant in my statement. Otherwise, why would I
refer to the Shiites, given our close links with their spiritual
leaders in Iran? I am against internecine fighting, which impedes
the struggle against the Israeli enemy. I am absolutely not
against any organization just because it is Shiite. At one time,
when fighting was continuing against the Israelis, I stood up
before the masses and praised and applauded this organization.
The question is clear to me. The current fighting must stop and
unity between the Palestinians and southerners must be restored.
Generally speaking -and let there be no misunderstanding
about my position -from now on, I will have no relations with
any group, whatever its slogans and claims, if its background is
sectarian or dogmatic. I hoist the banner of Arab nationalism.
Anyone who wants to fight on my side under this principle is
welcome to do so. Those who do not want to are on the other aide.
For the sake of realism, my position on this issue must be clear,
and must be decisively settled now. For this reason, from this
moment on, I will not extend my hand to assist, talk, or waste my
time with any organization that has sectarian or dogmatic foun-
dations. If aDruze believes in Arab nationalism, he must join us
under this principle. The same applies to any Sunnite, Shiite,
Maronite, Orthodox, Catholic, or Armenian. I will have nothing
to do with the parties or organizations of the sects. The young
people of all sects and creeds should come under the banner of
Arab nationalism, because the Arab nation is now in real danger.
[Al-Husayni] But you know sectarianism in Lebanon is at the root
of the crisis and, consequently, at the root of a solution. How can
we emerge from the civil war by ignoring sectarianism?
[AI-Qadhdhafi] I am fully aware what you say is one of the bitter
facts of the Lebanese crisis. I understand Lebanon's current
problems, which Jallud is trying to help resolve on behalf of
Libya. Because sectarianism is the crisis and the solution, I have
decided to dissociate myself from Lebanon.
[AI-Husayni] But the Lebanese crisis does not exist in isolation.
Rather, it is one, albeit a major one, of the crises of the Arab
homeland.
[Al-Qadhdhafi] It seems I must explain this so my decision not
to interfere in Lebanon will not be interpreted as a relin-
quishment of a pan-Arab responsibility. Itrust my brother
President Hafiz al-Asad, who is dealing. with the Lebanese
problems. We will offer any assistance or contribution toward
resolving the Lebanese crisis through Syria. When Syria asks for
help regarding the Lebanese issue, we will not be found wanting.
We will offer weapons and men and voice our political stand
through Syria. My decision means from now on we will not be a
party to the Lebanese crisis. We trust President al-Asad and his
wisdom and concern about Arab nationalism, Arab unity, con-
frontation, and liberation. Therefore, as long as President al-
Asad is dealing with the situation, I am confident
I would like to add our decision to remove ourselves from
Lebanon is meant to preclude any depiction of our presence as a
competition with Syria. Our presence could place us in a position
which would permit certain parties to portray us as their ally,
which we cannot allow. We are not competing with Syria. Our
role in the Lebanese crisis is complementary to the Syrian role,
backing our brothers, the Palestinians and Lebanese. We do not
want to and cannot overstep the Syrian role in Lebanon. I have
confidence, as I said, in Syria's stand, pan-Arab policies, and
concern for the interests of all Lebanese.
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V. 28 Jan 87 Q 2 NORTH AFRICA
This is why I am standing back to allow Lebanon and the
Lebanese crisis to be dealt with by my brother, President al-
Asad. Libya remains willing to help the Lebanese and the
Palestinians if asked to do so by Syria, through whom the
assistance will be extended.
[Al-Husayni] Brother Mu'ammar, some remarks about Lebanese
Christians have been attributed to you. Are they true?
[Al-Qadhdhafi] Yes, they are. Arab Christians in Lebanon have
been badly provoked by sectarians and irresponsible people.
Religious extremism in the region has pushed some Christians to
cross the red line and cooperate with the Israelis or the
Americans, and sometimes with the French.
Provocation breeds fear, and fear may prompt the Christians to
cooperate with the devil. Christians see the Israelis as the Great
Satan, and this is sufficient reason for everone to stop provoking
them. Regrettably, they are now being more provoked than ever,
by matters such as the call for an Islamic republic in Lebanon.
How can such a call be made in ahalf-Christian country? This
is irresponsible.
I support some of the organizations to whom this call is attrib-
uted, like Hizballah. I support Hizballah in its struggle against
the Israeli enemy, but not in such calls. Hizballah and all parties
and sects should abstain totally from doing anything to antago-
nize Arab Christians. The issue now is to call for martyrdom in
south Lebanon to liberate it from the Israeli enemy, or in the land
of Palestine. The struggle should be directed solely against the
Israelis.
[AI-Husayni] How do you view the Gulf war, following the recent
dramatic developments?
[AI-Qadhdhafi] This has turned into a crazy war with hysterical
overtones. There are hysterical acts in which scores of civilians
are killed on both sides. This is the point where reason is needed
to stop this madness.
It is also a war with no clear purpose, as proven by the many years
of fighting. It cannot be terminated militarily because of the
equal strength of both sides. It also lacks strategic goals. The
Arabs do not want to annex Iran, and the Persians do not seek to
annex the Arabs. What are the objectives of this war? Neither
Iran nor Iraq is occupied, so the Arabs and Persians are not trying
to liberate territory.
Thus, the only declared goal of the war is for each side to try to
topple the leaders of the other. Is this a good reason for hundreds
of thousands to die? Are not the leaders in question human beings
doomed to the ultimate human fate: Death? Why should we
seek to force the hand of God in this matter and insist on this
collective death in Iran and Iraq?
On this basis, Libya should work for reason and logic to control
the fighting, which will never be decisive. The war has damaged
Islamic ethics and reputation and the Arab image and values.
Horrendous acts have been perpetrated in the course of this war,
acts which have harmed us all before the world. From an Arab
viewpoint, Iraq has done things that should have never been
recorded in history. From the Islamic viewpoint, both Iraq and
Iran have written a black page in our history.
The relationship between Iran and Iraq must be governed by
understanding and good-neighborliness. Violence should only be
used against Zionism, the Americans, the French, and the Brit-
ish. In other words, violence should be used against the real
colonialists who support the Zionist entity so together they can
ruin our Arab homeland and Islamic nation. The Arab and
Persian nations must be linked by brotherhood and good-
neighborliness. Good-neighborliness should be the governing
principle in [relations between] two neighboring nations. This is
in contrast to the proposals put forward by certain people who
call for good-neighborliness between one. Arab people and
another. There can be nogood-neighborliness between two Arab
peoples. They'are one people, governed by the force of unity. But
good-neighborliness should be the cornerstone of relations
between the Persians and the Arabs, as two Islamic nations.
[Al-Husayni] Arab differences continue to grow, and efforts to
mend them have completely run out of steam. Do you not believe
the Arab situation requires you to embark on an initiative to
minimize differences, having failed to reach a minimum
agreement?
[Al-Qadhdhafi] Actually, the Gulf war, more than other events,
has motivated me to prepare a plan to confront the dangers that
imperil the Arab homeland, since most of the attemptsat
agreement have utterly failed. There is a frenzied war in the Gulf,
which is liable to spread. There is a civil war in Lebanon, leading
to a proliferation of civil wars. The Palestinians are sharply
divided among themselves and suffering from a difficult situation
in Lebanon. The Americans, in cooperation with the British,
attacked Libya from the north, with the support of NATO forces.
Now, as you can see, the Americans and the French are attacking
Libya from the south, through Chad. Zionism has oceupied
Palestine and vast Arab territories and continues to threaten
Syria and Lebanon. Sudan is reconsidering its Arab and Islamic
identity and personality. There are certain problems generated
by radical movements [mashakif shu`ubiyah] in Algeria as well
as in Mauritania. There are economic blockades and oil wars here
and there. All these regrettable events have made me draw up a
plan to unify ranks as soon as possible, to salvage the Arab nation
from the dangers that beset it. Unless we salvage it, it will become
like the Red Indian nation.
(Al-Husayni) It is well known you support unity of objective, and
not unity of ranks.
[AI-Qadhdhafi] We are now facing a situation threatening us all
with extinction. We must meet to confront all these dangers. All
the Arabs must demand from Egypt it rid itself of Camp.David.
The Camp David accords were a severe blow to the Arabs.
Egypt's role is extremely important, and all these dangers have
arisen during its absence: Iraq and Iran must accept acease-fire.
We, as Arabs, must compensate both of them and dress their
wounds. The Arabs must compensate Egypt and help its econ-
omy,and perhaps Iran might participate in this. Hence, I call for
an Arab summit, to be attended by all the Arabs including Egypt,
provided it divests itself of Camp David. The Palestinians must
attend this summit, and I have no objection to the participation
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V. 28 Jan 87 Q 3
of Yasir `Arafat and the PNSF in this conference, if they do not
agree on a neutral personality like Khalid al?Fahum. All Pal-
estinian organizations would be able to attend the summit as
observers.
At this conference, I will propose a plan of Arab union. I
previously proposed this plan to the Arab leaders. It seeks to
establish a union for the entire Arab homeland. The presidency
of this union will be assumed by Arab leaders on a rotational
basis. It will include a cabinet and executive council made up of
heads of government.
Apart from political unity, there would also be substantial eco-
nomicunity -for example, an Arab industries establishment, a
water authority, another for gas, a fourth for electricity, and a
fifth for scientific research. Our target is to unify all Arab
economic and scientific resources. This would complement the
unified political action to be undertaken by the heads of govern-
ment and ministers.
NORTH AFRICA
He called n Iran to find a peaceful settlement. He said in a
statement i ued by the Dark House "We share our friends in e
Gulf their tern over the possibility of the expansion of the ar
and the thre t that would pose to their security. We conside any
such expansi of the war as a threat to our interests and hose
The political edit ~ r in JANA commented on this state ent. He
pointed out that is statement comes out of an ag t and a
businessman who ntributed and is still contributin towards
fuelling further the ire of war between Iraq and Ira .This vile
agent pretends to fo et that he is,in the dock for his art in this
The political editor ask Is he deceiving the hole world and
because he is an arms d ler he looks at other as if all of them
are like him -arms dea rs? [sentence as re ived]
If we do not implement this plan, the Arab nation is doomed.
Iwill send envoys to the Arab leaders in this regard.
JANA Editor on Reagan Address to Congress
LD250127 Tripoli Voice QJ'Greater Arab Homeland
[Text] Israel's ad dog, Reagan, said the great Ja ahiriyah is
still threatening he security of the United States. his came in
his address to Co ress during the past 2 days. [as eardJ JANA's
international affai editor commented on the asts of the mad
dog. He said:
Israel's mad dog's drea and ambition to a the great Jamahir-
yahand its master peopl surrender to hi will never be fulfilled.
He is a fool and naive, be use he, and 'administration and its
symbols, know we are not aid of the and we challenge them
every day.
Jana's international affairs or dded: The threats of the
mad dog and his administration not and will never effect us.
He has tried. It was proved to hi irrefutable evidence last 15
April, we are a steadfast people n ur will is made of steel and
not affected by his bombs, air aft, o battleships with which he
filled the Mediterranean, w ch he de into a forest of bat-
tleships to confront a small ple. He hought our people are
small in numbers, but fou it strong in 'ts will, steadfastness,
and defiance to arrogant nd hegemony.
LD251956 Tripoli J~VA in English 1801 CMfii2S Jan 87
[All quotation mar as received]
[Text] Tripoli, ay nwar 25, Jamahiriyah News Agency -The
Israeli mad do Reagan declared that the expansion of the
Iran-Iraq [war represents a fundamental threat to American
strategic inter sts in the region.
The editor said "O...arms de er you let do n your people as your
talk became embarrassing a d laughabl and the credibility of
your country is at all time to as a res t of the blows dealt to
your insolent face.
All the countries of the world kn ~ w at you are an arms dealer
and you have no right to speak on subject for which you are in
the dock as a criminal selling wea sand fuelling the fire of war
further.
Radio Bardai: Habre Tro sin Zo r Destroyed
LD251950 Tripoli JANA i Arabic 19 GMT 25 Jan 87
[Text] Bardai, 25 Jan (J
hireling Habre's forces,
been completely eater
Chadian CUNT. [Tra
The radio pointed out
A) -Radio
ich are supporte
inated by the for
by the United States
uar region, have
National Unity].
itional Government d
exterminated, and the remainder who tried to
taken prisoner. [sente ce as received]
cape have been
The radio confirmed he region of Tibesti, and th areas within
that region, have b me restricted areas for hire 'ng Habre's
forces, because th areas are under the control f the new
GUNT, supported y the masses of the Chadian peo e.
Sudan Denies trspace to U.S. Cbad-Bound Planes
JN251244 Kh toum SUNA in English 091 S GMT
2S Jan 87
[Text] Khart um, Jan 25 (SUNA) -The Sudanese Government
has refused o allow U.S. military planes to cross Sudan's air-
space to C ad, a daily news paper Al-Sudani reported today.
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