Rumors Fly When Kadafi Cancels His Press Conference

TRIPOLI, Libya —  Moammar Kadafi abruptly canceled an appearance before the foreign press today, prompting speculation that the Libyan leader was depressed or fearful for his safety.

Kadafi instead closeted himself preparing a speech for later in the day marking the 16th anniversary of the pullout of American forces from Wheelus Air Force Base, Libyan officials said.

U.S. forces were evacuated from Libya by sea from the base at Darna on June 11, 1970, in the first year of Kadafi’s rule after he ousted King Idris in 1969. The U.S. Marines used the port as a base to battle the Barbary pirates in 1805.

Western journalists were summoned to Libya for what would have been Kadafi’s first appearance before the foreign press, but at the last minute were told he would appear only on television and radio.