MANY African countries, including Uganda, have refused to recognise the National Transitional Council in Libya as legitimate representatives of the Libyan people.

In an audio message broadcast today on loyalist Al-Rai TV, a voice purportedly of Muammar Gadaffi has denounced reports that he had fled to neighbouring Niger and claims he is still in Libya.

BRITAIN’S previous government did “all it could” to help Libya win the release of the only man convicted of the Pan Am bombing in Scotland in 1988, though it insisted the decision was made entirely by Scottish officials, Britain’s senior civil servant said yesterday.

Throughout the meeting, when the Taoiseach was making his representations, Gadaffi’s gaze drifted regularly in my direction. I was determined not to make eye contact. Some wag later joked that he was probably wondering where my bodyguard weapons were concealed

Libyan leader Col Muammar Gadaffi raised his fist triumphantly in the air upon arrival at the French presidential palace today for an official visit meant to confer new respect on the one-time international outcast.