A BAHRAINI businessman who pledged to give his Mercedes limousine to an Iraqi television reporter after he threw his shoes at former US president George Bush is devastated at his three-year jail term.

But Quresh Khan Buneeri says he will now drive the car to Baghdad to greet Muntadhar Al Zaidi when he comes out of prison.

"I will chauffeur him home and come back after handing him over the keys," he told the GDN.

Mr Buneeri said he would also "kiss the hand that threw the shoe" because that is what every Arab and every Muslim should do.

"If I manage to do that, it will be my ticket to heaven," he said.

Mr Buneeri said Mr Al Zaidi should be a hero to the Iraqi nation and not be languishing in prison.

"We had all fantasised about doing what Mr Al Zaidi did and look what has happened to him," he said. "It is not fair."

Mr Buneeri said he has now stopped using his car on a regular basis because he is scared he may not be able to keep his promise if it was damaged in an accident.

"I have it immaculately maintained and cleaned every now and then but drive it only sparingly. This car is already Mr Al Zaidi's," he said.

Mr Buneeri earlier said he would like to present the 1990 model as a token of appreciation for Mr Al Zaidi's action, even if it meant he has to drive all the way to the Iraqi capital to do so.

Mr Buneeri, originally from Pakistan, said he was "extremely proud" that someone, let alone an Arab or a Muslim, had finally managed to accomplish what "every single one of us has been wanting to do for a long time".

He said the 'parting kiss' Mr Bush received was the most appropriate gesture an Arab had made in the eight years he had been in office.

Mr Buneeri said the Iraqi government should have made him a pin-up figure and not put him behind bars, adding his blood boiled at the very sight of Mr Bush.

"Now that he is not there any more, I would say good riddance to him," he said.

President Bush was holding a Press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki last December when Mr Al Zaidi shouted: "It is the farewell kiss, you dog!" and threw a pair of shoes at the US leader.

Mr Bush ducked and the first shoe hit the American and Iraqi flags behind the two leaders, while the second was off-target.

He was immediately wrestled to the ground by security guards and marched from the room as he shouted: "You are responsible for the death of thousands of Iraqis".

The 28-year-old journalist is a graduate of communications from Baghdad University. mandeep@gdn.com.bh