Gadaffi threat to N-bases

Press, 3 September 1981, Page 6

Gadaffi threat to N-bases

NZPA-Reuter Beirut The Libyan leader, Muammar Gadaffi. has threatened to strike against United States aircraft carriers and bases in Europe if his forces come under attack by the Americans in . the disputed Gulf of Sirte. It was over the Gulf of Sirte last month that American carrier-based jets downed two Libyan planes. Libya claims the gulf as its territory, but the United States regards it as international waters.

Referring to the aerial battje at a rally marking the twelfth anniversary of Libya’s revolution yesterday. Colonel Gadaffi accused Washington of leading a crusader war against the Muslims. Colonel Gadaffi. whose speech w r as reported by the official Libyan news agency. Jana, added: “We will courageously fight the new crusade. We will resist the Sixth and other American fleets. We will face the new’ crusade and defeat it.” He went on: “We warn all people on the Mediterranean that if America attacks us in the Gulf of Sirte w r e will attack nuclear warheads and nuclear bases. America will be responsible for a nuclear catasrophe in the Mediterranean. one which may take place any time.” Colonel Gadaffi said the

United States Sixth Fleet was equipped with nuclear warheads and that “when this fleet attacks us we will attack the naval units carrying the attackers." He added: “If American bases in West Europe and the Mediterranean islands take part in or support this attack, or if the Atlantic pact (the North Atlantic TreatyOrganisation) backs it we will have the right in selfdefence to attack these bases should we have the means enabling us to reach them." The Gulf of Sirte was Libyan territory “and we will fight American fleets whatever the consequences," he said. Accusing the United States of planning to assassinate him and of planning to invade Libya he added: “It is not that simple for America to attack Libya because although it is a small State compared with America. Libya can direct several blows to American aircraft carriers and American bases in Europe and cause serious harm.". The Libyan leader also warned Sudan that he would move troops into Chad anytime its security was threatened. Libya last year sent several thousand troops into Chad to help President Goukouni Oueddei win a civil war. Some of the troops are still in Chad.