President Nicolas Sarkozy defended Muammar Gaddafi's recent visit to France by stating that the Libyan leader is not considered a dictator in the Arab world. Gaddafi's visit, the first in 34 years, resulted in the signing of multiple business agreements. Critics, including human rights groups and the opposition Socialists, accused Sarkozy of prioritizing economic interests over human rights. Sarkozy justified the invitation by pointing to Libya's release of foreign medics accused of infecting Libyan children with HIV, a deal in which Paris played a role. Sarkozy emphasized that Gaddafi is not viewed as a dictator in the Arab world, as he told Le Nouvel Observateur magazine. Sarkozy stated that he is the longest serving head of state in the region and in the Arab world, which is significant. He believes that France should engage in dialogue with everyone while also standing firm on its values. Gaddafi came into power in 1969 through a military coup. Libya's relationships with Western countries improved after abandoning programs to create weapons of mass destruction in 2003 and providing compensation to families affected by bombings of U.S. and French planes. However, Amnesty International emphasized that Libya's reintegration into the international community must involve genuine cooperation on human rights and trade matters. The group stated that President Nicolas Sarkozy must not only focus on commercial agreements but also ensure concrete measures are in place to improve human rights in Libya. The value of the contracts signed in France this week has caused controversy, with some sources suggesting that the deals were already in progress or still being negotiated. Socialist Arnaud Montebourg described the visit as a tragicomic farce in parliament. Gaddafi criticized France, diminishing its influence and damaging the global impact of its message. He expressed to French business leaders that strengthening political relations between Tripoli and Paris would benefit companies. Gaddafi also praised French companies in Libya and mentioned that previous political decisions had negatively affected firms, but the current political environment was more favorable for their development.