(17 Jun 1998) Arabic/Eng/Nat
Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gadhafi has denied any attempt has been made on his life.
In an exclusive interview with APTV Gadhafi rejected claims of an assassination attempt earlier this month, saying they were "deliberate lies".
At ease as he discusses his new book... Libya's leader granted an audience inside his headquarters, a large tent in the middle of a tightly guarded barracks in Tripoli.
In his first interview with a western journalist since the reported attack Colonel Moammar Gadhafi showed no visible signs of injury.
He dismissed the claim of an assassination attempt by an Islamic opposition group.
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"This is not the first time I have heard of an assassination attempt against me. People say Ghadafi has been the target of many assassination attempts, if you believe that. But in fact I have never seen any such attempt so far. I only hear rumours of these attempts - they're the same old lies."
SUPER CAPTION: Colonel Moammar Gadhafi, Libyan leader
Unusually for an Islamic leader Gadhafi is a strong supporter of women's rights, and has female bodyguards - seen with him in Cairo.
But up to four were reported to have died in the assassination attempt, and Gadhafi himself said to be wounded.
Despite the popular image cultivated by Gadhafi there has been opposition from Islamic groups, while the powerful Warfallah tribe is also thought to pose a threat to Ghadafi's rule, making a coup attempt in 1993.
Gadhafi's talent for self-promotion has led to personal insults from his enemies - he's been accused of being a terrorist, and even of being mad. In response he draws a comparison to Jesus Christ.
SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"I don't take any notice of these things, because even Christ was crucified and they considered him a sorcerer and a liar. But for all this they have converted now to the religion of Christ."
SUPER CAPTION: Colonel Moammar Gadhafi, Libyan Leader
However Gadhafi regards himself he is still able to demand support from many sections of Libyan society.
After nearly 29 years in power and at the age of 56 he shows no sign of relinquishing his hold on Libya.
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20 июл 2015
