Italy Paying Billion Dollars To Redeem Their Sin

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Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has agreed to pay billions of dollars in compensation to Libya as an apology for its colonial rule.

The "friendship pact" has been signed by the Italian leader and his Libyan counterpart Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The North African country accuses Italy of killing thousands of Libyans and driving thousands more from their villages and cities during its 1911-1943 rule.

On his arrival in Libya, Mr Berlusconi said the deal would see Italy invest $200m every year for the next 25 years.

"Italian companies will set up more business in Libya," he added, without giving details.

Italian officials said the deal covered "some billion dollars" in compensation and $5bn in investments, including the construction of a highway across Libya from the Tunisian border to Egypt.

It also involves a project to clear mines dating back to the colonial era.

In return, Italy expects to win energy contracts as well as see a tightening of security measures that will stem the flow of illegal migrants across the Mediterranean.

As a gesture of goodwill, Italy has returned the ancient statue of Venus of Cyrene that was taken to Rome during colonial rule, according to Libyan state media.

Italy has suffered difficult relations with Colonel Gaddafi since he took power in 1969, expelling Italian residents and confiscating their property.