[WATCH] Libya requesting ‘logistical support’ to overcome conflict

Head of the United Nations support mission in Libya Bernardino Leon in Malta for tripartite discussions

Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (Photo: Ray Attard)
Libyan Prime Minister Abdullah al Thinni and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (Photo: Ray Attard)
Muscat: Peace in Libya crucial for Mediterranean, world security

Libya is requesting “logistical support” to overcome the conflict that has afflicted the North African country, Libyan Prime Minister Abullah al Thinni said.

Al Thinni, together with his deputy prime minister and four other ministers, is in Malta for bilateral meetings with the Maltese counterparts.

Malta’s talks with Libya will also include Bernardino Leon, Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Leon lands in Malta this evening.

Al Thinni’s visit to Malta – expected to last between 48 to 72 hours – prompted heightened security and news of his travel to Malta could only be released once security was cleared and in Maltese airspace.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the Libyan Prime Minister addressed a press conference following a meeting that lasted two hours. Present for this meeting was also the Minister for the Foreign Affairs George Vella.

Announcing Leon’s visit, Muscat said the three sides would be discussing further prospects for Libya.

“Our repeated call for security in Libya stems from the fact that no security in the Mediterranean results in no security in the European Union or worldwide. It is therefore crucial that security is reinstated,” the Maltese PM said.

Muscat reiterated that political dialogue was the only way forward for Libya.

Al Thinni's internationally recognised government was booted out of Tripoli in August, when a coalition of armed groups from the western city of Misrata stormed the city. His government was forced to withdraw to the east, basing itself in Tobruk.

“[Al Thinni’s government] must be open to dialogue with all forces,” Muscat said.

A number of bilateral issues – including energy, education and information – were discussed between the two Prime Ministers. In-depth discussions will take place during the next 48 hours in a series of meetings to be held between the respective ministers.

This is Al Thinni’s second official state visit outside his country, having already held meetings in Egypt. Al Thinni confirmed that security issues in relation to air traffic between Malta and Libya were also discussed.

Fielding questions by the press, the two confirmed that an agreement to buy oil from Libya at preferential rates – signed under former Libyan premier Ali Zeidan – will be honoured.

“We have discussed the agreement and its implementation and confirmed there is no issue with its validity. The evaluation that is taking place right now is when the agreement can be put into place. Libya wants to first be up to scratch with its production,” Muscat said.

Asked whether his government will be ready to include the Muslim Brotherhood in a united government, Al Thinni said his government was elected democratically by “all Libyans”.

Al Thinni, asked whether he was requesting foreign military intervention, said he “was asking for logistical support to overcome difficulties” and to help bring together the different factions. He also said, according to his translator, that the government required logistical support “to overcome difficulties by parties who are disrupting stability”.

Al Thinni also confirmed that the government was ready to unite with any party to fight terrorist organisations.

Muscat, who at one point also spoke in Arabic to help the translator, said the Maltese side had been “unequivocal” that for Malta to support Libya’s cause, the latter had to enjoy the democratic support of the Libyan people and it should dialogue with every force that recognised the legitimacy of the Libyan parliament.

Fleeing from hostile militias, the Libyan parliament elected in June set up base in a grey concrete 1970s hotel near the Egyptian border.
The legal government was even forced to hire a Greek car ferry which moored in Tobruk harbour to house officials, activists and their families. They had fled death-threats in their hometowns.
Among international fora, including the United Nations, Malta insisted that peace in Libya will not be attained unless unconditional disarmament and genuine national reconciliation among the different factions take place.