Leaders United in Opposition to Gadhafi Visit
September 15, 2009
Congressman Scott Garrett, Senator Gerald Cardinale, and Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk today announced their opposition to possible visit by Libyan leader, Moammar Gadhafi, to Englewood next month. Gadhafi, who is coming to the US to address the UN on September 23rd , recently greeted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber, Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, on his return to Libya. Al-Megrahi was released from prison last week by the Scottish government which cited reasons of compassion for allowing the cancer-stricken bomber to return home to Libya to live out his days.
“Moammar Gadhafi has been both a leader of a subversive regime and a principle financier of international terrorism throughout much of his tenure as Libya’s leader,” said Congressman Garrett. “His support for terrorist activities makes him an undesirable visitor to any city in the United States, including the city of Englewood, New Jersey. I would strongly encourage President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to make it clear to the Libyan government that Colonel Gadhafi is not welcome in New Jersey.”
“Libya and Gadhafi have long been suspected of endorsing and financing terrorism,” said Senator Cardinale. “Gadhafi treated al-Megrahi like a hero. I thought that it was US policy not to deal with those who support state-sponsored terrorism. Gadhafi should not be allowed to pitch his tent in Central Park or put it on his tax-free estate in Englewood.”
In 1982, Libya purchased a 29-room Englewood mansion known as “Thunder Rock” to use as a weekend and summer retreat for their UN ambassador and visiting Libyan dignitaries. Libya then went to Federal court and was granted tax-exempt status on the 4.7 acre property. It has been estimated that Englewood has lost more than $1 million in property taxes since then.
“Seemingly forgotten in the mix are the 270 victims – including 189 Americans – who died in the Lockerbie bombing,” said Assemblywoman Vandervalk. “No mention was made by Scotland when they released al-Megrahi of compassion for the families and friends who daily have to struggle with their loss. Gadhafi has expressed no remorse for his sponsorship of such terror and just last week embraced the bomber on his return to Libya as a hero. Now, to add insult to injury, Gadhafi may be coming here to our backyard staying in luxury in New Jersey. He should not be allowed to stay here.”
The political leaders also expressed concern about the financial cost which Gadhafi’s visit will have for the city and state which must provide law enforcement protection for the visiting leader. Gadhafi’s recent visit to Italy was marked by numerous demonstrations, some violent.
“Our residents are overtaxed,” said Vandervalk. “Yet, we will be asked to foot the bill to protect this terrorist supporter.”
“It is clear to me from talking to people in not just my community but communities across Bergen County that they do not want Moammar Gadhafi staying in New Jersey,” said Robert Schroeder, a Councilman in Washington Township. “I support Congressman Garrett, Senator Cardinale and Assemblywoman Vandervalk’s efforts to send a message that New Jersey will never sit silent when it comes to terrorism, and I join them in this call.”
The New Jersey leaders are hoping that Senators Lautenberg and Menendez will join them in putting pressure on the Federal government to keep Gadhafi out of New Jersey.