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New York Meeting: Muammar al-Qaddafi (Video)

Speaker: Muammar al-Qaddafi, Leader and Guide of the Revolution, Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Presider: Richard N. Haass, President, Council on Foreign Relations
September 24, 2009

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Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi spoke at the New York office of the Council on Foreign Relations on September 24, discussing why Libya decided to give up its chemical and biological weapons program in 2003; his perspective on terrorism; and how he would respond if Iran develops a nuclear weapon.

Here are some of the points featured in his speech:

  • Abandoning the pursuit of chemical and biological weapons: "It used to be something to be proud of," Qaddafi said. "And we were part of the times." But after strategic consideration, Libyans realized it was "more threat to Libya than beneficial" to have such a program, he said.
  • Views on terrorism: "We have never supported terrorism," Qaddafi said.
  • Reacting to a possible Iranian nuclear weapon: "It goes without saying," Qaddafi insisted. "Libya would not support an Iran weapons program."

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