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American Morning
America's New War: Libyan Ambassador Discusses Libya's View
Aired September 20, 2001 - 09:42 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAUN, CNN ANCHOR: Over the last week a number of countries have condemned the actions on the terrorists.
Right now we would like to introduce you to the Libyan ambassador to United Nations, Abuzed Dorda. He joins from the U.N. in New York.
We should say that Libya's president, Moammar Gadhafi, did denounce the terrorist attacks last week.
Mr. Ambassador, have you spoken personally with President Gadhafi?
ABUZED DORDA, LIBYAN AMBASSADOR TO U.N.: (OFF-MIKE).
ZAUN: You have not?
Can you hear...
DORDA: No.
ZAUN: You did not.
DORDA: No, I did not.
ZAUN: OK. Can you better clarify for us his reaction to these attacks? On one hand he told America not to react too swiftly; on the other hand he said it is within America's right to retaliate.
DORDA: Well, he's one of the latest to express his condolences and sympathy to the American people a few hours after this tragedy happened on the 11th of September. Once more, his expressed his position on 16th of this month again. Of course, he made it quite clear that Libya is condemning terrorism in all...
[AUDIO DIFFICULTIES]
ZAUN: I apologize, we're having some technical difficulties. We were not able to hear Ambassador Dorda's comments.
Let me -- Mr. Ambassador, can you hear me now?
DORDA: Yes, I do.
ZAUN: Pickup your thought, when you said Mr. Gadhafi had condemned these attacks.
DORDA: Well, he did condemn all kinds of terrorism in all its forms, and, as you may know, that Libya is one of the biggest victims of all forms of terrorism since more than two decades, at least. And this is why we know much better than so many others the right feeling of the American people, who have been shocked after these terrorism actions in New York and Washington.
ZAUN: Your country finds its name on a list of countries that supports terrorist activities. What do you say to Americans out there that think Mr. Gadhafi saying this either to buy time or to try to patch up relations with the United States?
DORDA: Well, Libya accused by supporting terrorism. At that time we were supporting the freedom fighters who where fighting those who occupied their territories, their country, mainly in Africa. But no one, including the United States, could show any evidences or prove for that accusations. Libya never supported any kind of terrorism against civilians at all.
ZAUN: What does Mr. Gadhafi think is the best way to find these terrorist and deal with them?
DORDA: Well, the best way is to have that debate between the international community, whether through the United Nation or (UNINTELLIGIBLE) groups or bilaterally, to exchange views, ideas, information, and then each one of us must do his role to put an end -- an a real end to all the terrorism actions. And we better study the reasons behind the terrorism, not only the result of terrorism.
ZAUN: Last question for you, sir: Is there any conditions under which Mr. Gadhafi would support strikes against Afghanistan?
DORDA: Well, first of all, we have no idea what's going on, and what is the target, and why, and whether there are any proofs or evidences against anyone behind this tragedy that happened in the United States. No one talked to us. Whenever anyone talk to us, we pursue our authorities, we'll study carefully and seriously, and they will apply positively.
ZAUN: Ambassador Dorda, thank you for your time this morning. We apologize, again, for that little audio glitch. We were able to hear the rest of the interview, though.
DORDA: Thank you.
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