Switzerland / Libya
Tages-Anzeiger, 23 February 2010

Europe supine as Gaddafi blackmails

Published on 23 February 2010 at 12:14
Tages-Anzeiger, 23 February 2010

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The Libyan police were on the point of storming the Swiss embassy in Tripoli on 22 February when Colonel Gaddafi’s ultimatum ran out. The nation’s leader had demanded the surrender of two Swiss businessmen who had sought refuge in the building. Rachid Hamdani and Max Göldi, condemned for allegedly “engaging in illegal economic activities”, are regarded as Libya’s diplomatic hostages. The two men walked out of the embassy in the nick of time, whereupon the former was allowed to leave Libya, but the latter was hauled off to serve a four-month prison sentence. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," sighs the Tages-Anzeiger.

"Apparently even Silvio Berlusconi tried to calm down the Libyan dictator." The Zurich daily points out, however, that this friendship between European states hinges on self-interest: "They are well aware that they could soon be in for the same ordeal.” For the time being, they are all concerned by Libya’s refusal to issue visas to Schengen area nationals. "If all of Europe brings pressure to bear, things will change, even in Libya," concludes the paper, calling on the EU to turn up the pressure until the second “hostage” is freed.

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