No alternative for Libya to Leon’s political dialogue, says Vella

There is “no alternative” to political dialogue in Libya, foreign minister George Vella has told Libyan deputy  foreign minister Hasan Al-Sayyir, exhorting the Libyan side to endorse a political agreement under discussion for a unity government.

Al-Sayyir arrived in Malta with Libyan prime minister Abdullah Al-Thinni, to discuss latest development in Libya, particularly the forthcoming talks to be held in Morocco under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, headed by the UN’s special Envoy Bernardino Leon.

Al-Sayyir told Vella that Libyans were endeavouring to reach a political settlement to the dispute, something he said was of “the utmost importance for Libya’s security and unity” as well as the threat of Islamic State inside Libya.

The meeting also focused on issues of common interest between the two countries, particularly the phenomenon of illegal migration and its repercussions on both countries and beyond. Vella told Al-Sayyir that the European Union would assist and support Libya, once a government of national unity is in place.

Vella emphasised the fact that Malta, whilst fully appreciating Libya’s problems in controlling its extensive borders, demanded that the flow of illegal migrants had to be controlled as being discussed at EU level.

 Vella and Al-Sayyir also touched upon technical aspects relating to visa facilitation.