Gaddafi, Trump and the Tent Deal

I was very amused to read about Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s visit to New York for the UN General Assembly meeting.  As has now become his accepted practice during his visits abroad, Gaddafi is demanding that he be allowed to erect a tent so that he can receive guests and entertain in Bedouin style.

His attempts to erect a tent in Central Park and in the grounds of the Libyan Embassy in Englewood, New Jersey were both met with opposition from local residents and authorities, and were rejected.  It is now reported the he has rented a pitch for his tent from none other than tycoon Donald Trump.  This plot is located in Bedford, New York, approximately 45 miles from New York City.  There are gathering protests here too.  It is reported that there is no diplomatic immunity against local government restrictions, and Gaddafi may yet find himself tentless.

The Trump Organisation has denied renting the plot to Gaddafi, although it transpires that they have admitted to renting it to “Middle Eastern partners”, who may have transferred their rights to Gaddafi.

The main thing is that Gaddafi is grabbing the headlines.