by Michael Hone
Fireworks, new flags, burning posters of former dictator and dancing children mark historic day
BRASILIA – The Embassy of Libya in Brazil erupted in celebration after the announcement of the death of the former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. There was an explosion of fireworks, music and a bonfire as photos of the former dictator were burned in the embassy courtyard.
Chanting “Libya, Libya, Libya,” children danced about wearing tee shirts emblazoned with the new Libyan flag. Adults waved the new flag in the courtyard and on the roof of the embassy. Others lit fireworks.
Brazil has been slow to recognize the new Libyan government. Those at the embassy today were hopeful that Brazil would soon recognize the new Libya. “Now there remains that need for the Brazilian government to recognize the new government,” said Adel Swasy, Financial Counselor of the Embassy.
The former Libyan ambassador in Brazil, Ezubedy Salem, was not at the embassy today. He left about a month ago, because, according to Libyan diplomats, he was “colluding” with Gadhafi.
“The former ambassador Salem Ezubedy represented Gadhafi. In August, he said that he supported the rebellious people. It was a lie. We tried to convince him to support the people, but he refused. So, diplomats and the Libyan-Brazilian community expelled him,” said the consul Mohamed Nfati.
The new head of the Libyan embassy in Brazil, Hussein Tantush, appointed a week ago, is in charge of business. Libyan diplomats say they believe a new ambassador will be sent soon.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota voiced hope Thursday that violence in Libya would end soon following Gaddafi's death.
"Brazil expects violence in Libya to stop, military operations to cease, and the Libyan people to be able to follow its aspirations and wishes in a spirit of dialogue and national reconstruction," Patriota said.
The foreign minister made the remarks while accompanying President Dilma Rousseff on a trip to Angola. The president, however, has yet to make an official statement on the issue.
Read also: More Articles from Brazil Dispatch
Brazilian online news source for this article: O Globo
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