Gaddafi "convert to Islam" speech angers Italians

London, Aug 31 (ANI): Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has provoked anger in Italy after lecturing 200 young actresses and models on the superiority of Islam during his visit to the country.

Some lawmakers criticised Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for his increasingly close relationship with Gaddafi..

On Monday, Goddafi asked the recruited women to join him and Berlusconi at a photography exhibition at a Rome cultural institute that traced the historical links between both countries, The Telegraph reported.

Referring to Islam as the "ultimate religion", Goddafi said: "If you want to believe in a single faith, then it must be that of Mohammed."

On Sunday, Gaddafi handed out copies of Koran to 500 young women and said Europe should convert to Islam.

His statement was condemned by politicians and the Church.

"If I went to Tripoli to demand that Libyans convert to Christianity, what are the odds that I would return in one piece?" Rocco Buttiglione, the president of a centre-Right Catholic party- the UDC, asked.

"Italy is becoming a Disneyland-style theme park for Gaddafi's senile vanities, Fare Futuro, a political foundation linked to Gianfranco Fini said. (ANI)