Gaddafi promises change
2008-09-01 10:49
Benghazi - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on 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, Gaddafi 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," Gaddafi 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 on Sunday and which continued into the early hours of Monday.
"You always accuse the popular committees (ministries) of corruption and poor management. These complaints will never end. So everyone (should) have their share (of oil revenues) in their pockets and manage," Gaddafi said.
- SAPA