Bamako, Mali - Malian opposition party, African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence (SADI), held a rally at the weekend here to show support for the Libyan leader, Mouammar Kadhafi, and denounced 'the virulent media campaign of propaganda and disinformation' against him. 'The ultimate goal of this campaign by the US and its allies in Europe is to control Libya's vast oil wealth, slow down its march towards progress, destroy the foundations of genuine political, economic and social independence and install a puppet regime,' according to a statement from the SADI president, Cheick Oumar Sissoko, a film maker who had served as Minister of Culture in Mali.

The party also denounced the idea of a possible Western military intervention, calling it an 'imperialist military aggression' and urged the African Union and friends of Kadhafi to “take a clear stand to avoid military intervention.

'Any aggression against the Arab and the Libyan people will dangerously threaten the peace, security and stability in the countries bordering the Sahara and further weaken their ability to cope with the terrorist threat,' the statement said.

During the rally, SADI set up a pro-Kadhafi movement made up of imams, young Muslims, former Malian students in Libya, Arabic teachers, workers and returnees from Libya.

Members of the movement say they have been impressed by the various Libyan accomplishments in Mali as well as by Kadhafi's role in the progress of African Unity.

About 400 people attended the rally and organizers say a bigger rally will soon be held.

Pana 15/03/2011