Tripoli: Libya's new leaders urged Niger to
reconsider its "hostile" decision to grant asylum to Muammar Gaddafi's son Saadi during the uprising which overthrew the longtime leader.
"Niger should not become an asylum for criminals. We ask Niger to review this unjustified decision," said Abdel Hafidh
Ghoga, vice chairman of the National Transitional Council and spokesman for the new authorities.
"If Niger will harbour criminals wanted by the law, the hostile and unjustified decision will have an impact on our relations," he said.
Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou said on Friday that his country has decided to grant Saadi Gaddafi asylum for
humanitarian reasons.
Saadi Gaddafi, 38, fled Libya across its southern
frontier to Niger in August during the fall of Tripoli that
ended his authoritarian father's 42-year regime.
Libya's new leadership wants Saadi Gaddafi to stand trial
for crimes allegedly committed while heading the country's
football federation.
Niger's Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said in September
that there was "no question" of extraditing Saadi, at least
until he could be assured of a fair trial in Libya.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 09:56