Qaddafi, Muammar Al

Born 1940, in Sirte. Libyan politician and statesman; colonel in the armed forces.

In 1965 Qaddafi graduated as a lieutenant from a military school. He then continued his training in Great Britain (1966) and achieved the rank of captain. One of the founders of the organization of “free officers,” he took part in the revolutionary coup of Sept. 1, 1969, which overthrew the monarchy in Libya and established the Libyan Arab Republic (LAR). Qaddafi was named chairman of the Council of the Revolutionary Command. Since January 1970 he has also served as chairman of the National Council of Defense and commander in chief of the Libyanarmed forces. From January 1970 to July 1972 he occupied thepost of prime minister as well.