Kadhafi says Mediterranean Union will divide Africa

(TUNIS) - Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi reiterated his opposition to an EU-backed Mediterranean Union, saying it would separate north Saharan countries from the African Union, during a visit to Tunis on Monday.

"We have good relations with European countries, with the European Union, but I do not accept integration into the Union for the Mediterranean," he said in a speech on the second day of his four-day visit of Tunisia.

"I do not agree to cutting up Africa for hypothetical prospects with Europe," said Kadhafi, adding that the participation of African countries in a Mediterranean bloc was a "violation" of resolutions by the African Union, a 53-nation continent-wide organisation.

The Libyan leader also said the idea of a Mediterranean Union -- spearheaded by French President Nicolas Sarkozy -- threatened Arab unity efforts.

Kadhafi has been a staunch opponent of Sarkozy's plan from the beginning and refused to attend the first summit on the Union for the Mediterranean last month in Paris.

Kadhafi compared the project to colonialism, insisting it would allow European powers to regain control of their former colonies.

The entry of Arab states into the Union has been dictated by their "weakness", he said, claiming that Syria had to join under duress because it was isolated and had to "watch its back".

On Sunday, the Libyan leader met with Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who backs the Mediterranean Union.