Kadafi Says He and His Regime Are Healthy

TRIPOLI, Libya —  Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi on Thursday denied reports he is physically ill, deranged or in danger of losing power in Libya.

“Really, these reports and writings are not true. As you can see I am fine . . . and there has been no change in our country.” he said in a 45-minute interview with a Western reporter.

Kadafi, 44, was unarmed during the interview, although a female bodyguard with a pistol on her hip guarded his office.

He spoke in a low voice that rose in emotion only twice--when he expressed incredulity at the U.S. attack on Tripoli and Benghazi last April 15 and in a reiteration of his opposition to Israel and support of the Palestinian cause. He appeared tired but healthy and relaxed.

Asked if he was serious in saying he would join the Soviet Bloc, Kadafi replied: “We will do this if we have to,” but added Moscow would not get bases in Libya.

Kadafi insisted he does not support terrorism. When asked why he backed Palestinian terrorist leader Abu Nidal, who has been linked to last December’s airport attacks in Rome and Vienna that left more than 20 people dead, he replied:

“I support their (the Palestinian) cause because it is a just one. I do not tell them what tactics to use.”