Malta welcomes formation of new Libyan government

The Maltese government has welcomed the formation of the Libyan Government of National Accord by the Presidency Council, following the signing of the agreement in Schirat, Morocco in December 2015.

Latest developments in Libya are being discussed today during a Senior Officials Meeting with the United Nations’ Special Representative Martin Kobler in Rome, at which Malta is actively participating.

Foreign minister George W. Vella hailed today’s development as a very important step towards the general stabilisation of Libya.

“I appeal to those who remain hesitant on endorsing UN efforts to look at the possibility of engagement in this process. At the same time, the international community should keep all doors of dialogue open to ensure that the process becomes an all-inclusive one.”

Malta recently hosted the parliamentary speakers from the two warring factions in Libya, the heads of the House of Representatives in Tobruk and the General National Congress in Tripoli, ahead of the signing of the Skhirat agreement that appointed Faiez Serraj as head of the GNA.

Not all MPs attended the signing of the agreement, and the GNA has not yet taken its seat of power in Tripoli.

The EU said that it was now for the House of Representatives and its Presidency to show the same spirit of compromise and sense of leadership, to promptly convene to endorse the proposed Cabinet.

“Libya is at a critical juncture and it is crucial that all key political and security actors uphold the interests of their country and its people above all others. Only a united Libyan government, supported by all its citizens, will be able to end political divisions, defeat terrorism, and address the numerous security, humanitarian and economic challenges the country faces,” the EU’s high representative Francesca Mogherini said.

“The EU, as re-confirmed yesterday by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council, stands ready to support the GNA once in place to accompany the Libyan people in their search for peace and stability in their country.”