December 2007: Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi is in Paris, at the invitation of Nicolas Sarkozy… Why did the recently elected President of the Republic roll out the red carpet for such a controversial figure? An excerpt from the magazine “Affaires sensible” on the underside of a crazy visit… and sales contracts announced as fabulous.
Colonel Gaddafi with his fist raised on the steps of the Elysée, his other hand shaking that of Nicolas Sarkozy. In 2007, the image caused a lot of ink to flow – as much as the Bedouin tent erected at his request in the gardens of the Hôtel Marigny. Long assimilated to international terrorism (his secret services notably sponsored, in 1989, the attack responsible for the crash of UTA’s DC10), the former pariah then savored his return to grace with this gesture of victory.
To inaugurate his presidential mandate, Nicolas Sarkozy, for his part, wanted to strike a great diplomatic blow by working for the release of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, detained and tortured by the Libyan regime since 1999. In exchange, the Libyan “guide” would have obtained the promise of an invitation to Paris which would mark his rehabilitation on the international scene.
On May 18, 2023, the magazine “Sensitive Affairs” recounts this incredible official visit by the Libyan dictator at the invitation of the French president. What’s more, it takes place on December 10, Human Rights Day… Enough to arouse controversy even in the ranks of the government.
“You have to, in a way, justify not only the visit of this oh so sulphurous character, but also the brilliance she has…”
Vincent Hugeux, journalist, author of “Gaddafi” (ed. Perrin)in “Sensitive Matters”
Nicolas Sarkozy dangled the signing of juicy contracts with Libya, worth a total of“ten billion euros, (…) for the employment and growth of the French”. These contracts would cover the sale of 10 to 14 Rafale multipurpose combat aircraft, 8 to 12 Tiger combat helicopters… There is also talk of anti-tank missiles, Airbus aircraft, and even a nuclear reactor to desalinate water sea. As a result, no less than 30,000 jobs.
After a quick working meeting, these famous contracts were indeed signed, under the delighted eye of the two Heads of State. But what actually resulted? In reality, Libya will never buy Rafale or helicopters, let alone a nuclear reactor. Far from the 10 billion promised, the final amount will hardly exceed 3 billion euros (thanks to the sale of Airbus planes). And the French authorities would have understood this very quickly, despite the thunderous announcements.
“… The Libyans were aware that it was part of the imposed figures of an official visit, and that consequently something had to be done, but without them having worked on the files.”
Claude Guéant, former Secretary General of the Elyséein “Sensitive Matters”
At the microphone of the journalist of “Sensitive Affairs”, Claude Guéant, the former right arm of Nicolas Sarkozy, said to remember “contractual prospects, rather than contracts”. “An aspect of the visit” which, according to him, “hadn’t really been worked on, especially by the Libyans”. And to add: “I would say that the documents by which they committed themselves were almost written on the corner of the table…”
Excerpt from “Gaddafi in Paris, the crazy visit of a dictator”, a document to see on May 18, 2023 in “Sensitive Affairs”, a co-production France Télévisions, France TV press, France Inter, INA and Capa Presse adapted from a France Inter broadcast.
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