President Nicolas Sarkozy defended Muammar Gaddafi's recent visit to France by stating that the Libyan leader is not viewed as a dictator in the Arab world. The visit, which marked Gaddafi's first in 34 years, resulted in the signing of various business agreements. Critics, including human rights organizations and the opposition Socialists, have accused Sarkozy of prioritizing business interests over human rights concerns. Sarkozy's decision to invite Gaddafi was influenced by Libya's release of foreign medics accused of infecting Libyan children with HIV, a deal brokered with the assistance of Paris. In an interview with Le Nouvel Observateur magazine, Sarkozy emphasized that Gaddafi does not hold the same reputation as a dictator in the Arab world. Sarkozy stated that he is the longest serving head of state in the region and the Arab world, which is significant. He believes that France should engage in dialogue with all parties while remaining steadfast in its values. Gaddafi came into power in 1969 following a military coup. Libya's relationships with Western countries have improved since abandoning programs for weapons of mass destruction in 2003 and providing compensation for victims of bombings on U.S. and French airliners. However, Amnesty International emphasized that Libya's reemergence as an international partner must include genuine cooperation on human rights and trade matters. The group stated that President Nicolas Sarkozy must not only focus on commercial agreements in Libya, but also must ensure tangible improvements in human rights. The value of the contracts signed in France this week has also caused controversy, with some questioning the actual worth of the deals. Socialist Arnaud Montebourg described the visit as a "tragicomic farce" in parliament. Gaddafi criticized France, undermining its influence and damaging the universal appeal of its message. He suggested that improved political relations between Tripoli and Paris would benefit French companies, stating that French firms were valued in Libya. Yves-Thibault de Silguy, the chairman of Vinci, reported that Gaddafi acknowledged past challenges faced by firms due to political decisions but believed the current political environment was more favorable for French companies to thrive in Libya.