Kadhafi promises wide political, economic reforms

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BENGHAZI, Libya (AFP) — Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi Monday promised wide political and economic reforms that he said would see ministries dismantled and oil revenues going directly into the pockets of the people.

The reforms would come into effect at the beginning of 2009, Kadhafi said in a speech marking the anniversary of the coup that brought him to power on September 1, 1969.

"Libyans should all be ready to receive a share of the oil revenues starting from the beginning of next year," Kadhafi told the Popular Congress, which serves as Libya's parliament, in the Mediterranean city of Benghazi.

All ministries except foreign affairs, defence, security and justice would be dismantled, he added in the speech, which he began delivering late Sunday and which...