Aznar's "friend of Gaddafi" comment causes stir

Comments made by former Prime Minister José María Aznar concerning Libya's Muammar Gaddafi created a stir over the weekend. Speaking at Columbia University in New York last Monday, Aznar of the Popular Party criticized NATO's intervention in Libya and called Gaddafi "a friend."

"Gaddafi is a flamboyant friend, but he is a friend," Aznar was quoted saying in remarks that were made public on Saturday. His criticism of the Spanish government's decision to participate in the NATO mission drew a sharp response from Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez on Sunday.

"I couldn't care less who his friends are but a former head of government should not call into question the decisions of subsequent parliaments," Zapatero told a Socialist party rally in the Basque Country. Current PP leader Mariano Rajoy voted on March 22 in Congress in favor of sending troops to Libya.

During his term as prime minister, Aznar received a racehorse as a gift from Gaddafi during a trip to Libya.

On Saturday, FAES, the conservative think-tank Aznar presides, clarified that the former prime minister did not say what is heard in the videotape of the New York conference. In a statement, FAES said that the former prime minister indeed supports NATO intervention in Libya.

José Blanco, the Socialist deputy secretary general, challenged Rajoy to try to deny there are links between Aznar and Gaddafi. "Aznar is kidding. Their friendship began when Gaddafi gave him the horse and when Gaddafi's son took his first steps in Madrid. For that reason, if you look at the families, look at the businesses, you can find a link. That is all I will say," he told reporters on Sunday.