MOSCOW, September 23 (RIA Novosti) - Authorities in Bedford north of New York City are up in arms over due to the appearance of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's tent in the town, CNN reported on Wednesday.
Gaddafi, who is known for staying in his large Bedouin dwelling during foreign visits, got the tent erected in one of Bedford's parks, on property owned by U.S. billionaire Donald Trump. City officials sought to stop the tent's construction, arguing it violated town regulations.
"I discussed this matter with town officials, and the town building inspector believes that this would constitute a violation of several town zoning and land use laws," Bedford town attorney Joel Sachs was quoted by the TV channel as saying.
"I directed the town building inspector to immediately go to the property and issue a stop work order," he added.
New York State Senator Vincent Liebell said he was also puzzled over the issue.
"He's not going to have many fans in Bedford or Westchester County, certainly not me," the TV channel quoted him as saying. "There's not going to be any welcome mat for him in Bedford."
County Executive Andy Spano said on Tuesday he had heard unconfirmed reports that Gaddafi may be staying at the tent, CNN said.
"There is no legal way to prevent this, as he is a head of state, despite the fact that he has a long history as a terrorist," Spano said in a statement. "However, from my point of view, he is not welcome in Westchester."
However, State Department officials told CNN there were no limitations on Gaddafi's visa that would prevent him from traveling to the area, adding Gaddafi was probably not staying at the tent, but was visiting and having meetings there. According to the officials, the Libyan leader was staying in New York.
Last month, Gaddafi was condemned by the international community when he gave a large welcome to Abdelbeset Ali Mohmed al Megrahi, the Libyan convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in December 1988. Al Megrahi was released by Scottish authorities on compassionate medical grounds.
The 64th session of the UN General Assembly, with 122 heads of state and government expected to attend, ends on September 30.
