It seems that old friendships never die. Former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff was selected as the nominee for this year's Gaddafi Award for Human Rights.

Libya's Jana news agency reported that the Executive Bureau of International Committee held its first annual meeting in the Algerian capital and nominated the fiery Mr Mintoff for the award. No further details were given.

The prize is awarded to one of the "international personalities, bodies or organisations that have distinctively contributed to rendering an outstanding human service and have achieved great actions in defending human rights, protecting the causes of freedom and supporting peace everywhere in the world".

Former recipients of the award, which carries a prize of $250,000, include Hugo Chavez, Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro.

Mr Mintoff was renowned for his relationship with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Mr Mintoff, who turned 92 last Thursday, is in poor health. However, he stole the media headlines last February when he turned up at the Electoral Commission's office in Valletta out of the blue, prompting many to believe he would be making a belated return to politics. But alas, he returned home after finding the offices were closed for lunch.

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