Berlusconi sent escort women to Libya's Gaddafi

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi sent two escort women to an opponent of Libyan dictator Colonel Moammer al-Gaddafi as a favour to the Libyan leader, it has emerged.

Gaddafi was the surprise choice as leader of the 53-nation African Union in February 2009.


Gaddafi shakes hands with Silvio Berlusconi during a ceremony for the Italia-Libya friendship day at Salvo D'Acquisto barraks on August 30, 2010 in Rome

Nuri Al Mismari, a former close aide of Col Gaddafi's, in an interview with Arab newspaper Ashaeq Al-Awsat in Paris, revealed the details of how the escorts were provided.

Al Mismari was Gaddafi's diplomatic chief for 35 years before he left Libya in 2010 and went into exile in Paris.

He told the newspaper that an unidentified African leader was opposing the election of Gaddafi but the situation was "resolved with an unorthodox solution."

"Berlusconi helped resolve the situation and secure Gaddafi's position by sending in two beautiful escorts to the leader of the African nation in question. This had the desired affect.
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The leader was convinced and he gave his vote to Gaddafi and from here is born the expression bunga bunga which indicates salacious, adventurous women," he said.

Al Mismari said he was ashamed.

However, he added that Western leaders should also shoulder some of the blame for treating Gaddafi as they did.

"Everybody was kissing his hand heads of state, heads of government.

They don't feel shame now? They had guards of honour for Gaddafi when he came to their countries. They brought out the red carpet for him. They don't feel shame?" he asked.

Plastic Surgery
Silvio Berlusconi was operated on his face for four hours yesterday under general anaesthetic to restore his jaw after an attack by a deranged man in 2009, the government said. The doctor said Berlusconi was now recovering at his villa outside Milan and could be back at work for a key cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Kissing incident
During the Arab League Summit conducted in the Libyan city of Sirte on March 27, 2010, Berlusconi bent down and kissed Gaddafi's hand. The incident caused a scandal and the video went viral on YouTube receiving million hits.

Warplanes launched multiple airstrikes yesterday on opposition fighters, the second day of a harsh government counter-offensive to thwart rebel advances towards Gaddafi's stronghold in Tripoli. Internet services have also been suspended in Libya