Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the coup that brought him to power, strengthened by his improved ties with the West and his growing influence in Africa. But long-delayed promises to forge ahead with political and economic reforms in the oil-rich African nation are still lagging despite ambitious plans which have the backing of his second son and heir apparent Seif Al-Islam.

Tripoli's streets have been decked with thousands of multicoloured lights and hundreds of Gaddafi portraits and placards paying tribute to the leader, including one saying: "May Glory Be Yours, Oh Maker of Glories." A gala celebration set for Tuesday will be attended by some heads of state, including outspoken Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, but a string of European leaders who were invited are staying away.

The festivities come as Libya has been fending off angry reactions for giving a hero's welcome to convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet Al-Megrahi after his release on compassionate grounds from a Scottish prison on August 20. Libya ignored US warnings that any public celebration would damage relations that have been improving since Tripoli renounced terrorism and its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction in 2003.

Seif Al-Islam accompanied Megrahi home and his charitable foundation financed the bomber's legal defence. "Lockerbie is history," Seif Al-Islam told the Scottish newspaper The Herald on Friday, about the mid-air bombing of a Pan Am plane over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988 that killed 270 people. "The next step is fruitful and productive business with Edinburgh and London. Libya is a promising, rich market and so let's talk about the future," Seif Al-Islam said.

The 37-year-old has been pushing for ambitious political and economic reforms in Libya, where huge oil reserves, tourist destinations and economic development remains largely untapped. The reforms call for the drawing up of a constitution, the privatization of the state-controlled media as well as a $70-billion economic development package. But the old guard in Libya, where the flamboyant Gaddafi set up a "Jamahiriya" or state of the masses in 1977, do not seem enthusiastic about changes, while reformists
warn they are overdue.

Libya needs a real strategic plan. Reforms must be activated quickly. Any hesitation could trigger instability in the country," warned Imad Bannani, a businessman and former head of the Muslim Brotherhood. Journalist Idriss Ben Taieb firmly believes "Seif Al-Islam is the only one who can undertake reforms in Libya. He has the influence it takes.

Seif Al-Islam has already taken a few steps by launching a new television channel at arm's length from the state one, Al-Mutawassit, as well as two newspapers. Politically Libya has been strengthened in recent days after the US envoy to Sudan praised its role in peacemaking in Darfur, and Switzerland apologised for the brief arrest last year of another Gaddafi son.

Scott Gration said he was "very impressed" by Tripoli's efforts to help pacify Darfur. "I see the Libyans have a very positive role ... and we are very proud to be partners with the Libyans," Gration said on August 24. Libya's role in Africa has been growing ever since Gaddafi - who was proclaimed "king of kings" by African traditional leaders in September 2008 - became chairman in February of the 53-member African Union.

On the eve of the celebrations marking his power-grab, Gaddafi will host an AU summit to discuss the crises plaguing development in the continent and ways to end the conflicts in Darfur and Somalia, officials have said. A festive mood is already grabbing Tripoli where a fireworks extravaganza will mark the day 40 years ago when a young colonel Gaddafi led a bloodless coup that overthrew the Western-backed regime of King Idriss.

A huge stage, almost the size of a football pitch, was built near Tripoli's landmark Green Square, where Frenchman Martin Arnaud has pledged to dazzle the audience with a sound-and-light show devoted to Libya's history. "It will be like the opening ceremonies of the World Cup or the Olympics," one of the organizers said.

Kuwaittimes