Saif Qadhafi
The Gaddafi International Foundation for Charity Associations, is headed by Engineer Saif al Islam Muammar al Gaddafi, the elder son of Colonel Gaddafi. The charity has played a significant and beneficial role overseas and has conducted negotiations and ransom payments for the release of numerous western hostages in Africa and in South East Asia, notably in the Philippines and Algeria. But GIFCA has not specified how many deaths there have been in Libyan prisons nor what has been done to ensure that such does not occur again. GIFCA is the agency that has funded the US$ millions compensation money for the families of the Lockerbie and UTA bombing victims, money which, it was claimed, did not originate from the coffers of the Libyan public or government.
For several years there has been speculation that Gaddafi might be preparing his eldest son, Seif al-Islam, to succeed him as "Guide of the Revolution." The rumours grew after reports Gaddafi had charged his son with some diplomatic missions to Arab countries on his behalf. Seif al-Islam (Sword of Islam), born in 1971, graduated in 1993 from Tripoli's al-Fateh University where he studied urban engineering. He is officially head of the National Consultancy in charge of drawing out plans for state projects. He also chairs the National Anti-drug Association of Libya.
On 19 December 2003 Libya agreed to destroy all of its chemical, nuclear, and biological weapons. The surprise announcement followed nine months of secret talks between Libyan, American, and British officials. Libya agreed to allow for immediate inspections and monitoring, and to eliminate ballistic missiles traveling more than 300 kilometers with a 500 kilogram payload.
Shahram Chubin, director of studies at the Geneva Center for Security Policy, believes Gaddafi is paving the way for a secure succession for his son. "I think that Libya -- and in particular its leadership -- are getting ready for succession. They must have recognized that it makes sense to bring Libya back into the fold of the international community, and to do that they'd have to dispense with these [weapons] programs that they've been having for many, many years, which clearly serve no rational purpose. And I think it's a recognition by Gadhafi that he wants to let his son succeed him and to leave Libya in a slightly better position if he gets rid of these useless weapons, which have created unnecessary distrust and suspicion on the part of its neighbors and, of course, the international community as a whole, including Britain and the United States," Chubin said. [ SOURCE ]
