Update 2 | No Libya evacuation, government prepared for any eventuality says Vella

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The Maltese government has appealed to rival militias in the Libyan conflict to lay down their arms and seek a meaningful and constructive political dialogue.

Foreign minister George Vella expressed deep concern on the latest developments in Libya.

“As a friendly and neighbourly country, Malta reaffirms its support and encouragement to all efforts directed towards the democratic process in Libya that could eventually lead to good governance, the rule of law, and the respect for human rights,” he said.

The Nationalist Party also presented a parliamentary motion calling for an urgent debate on the situation in Libya, demanding that the government present a "transparent" report on diplomatic and commercial relations with the country.

Nationalist MP Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and whip David Agius said that the Maltese embassy was not assisting nationals in Libya whose lives were endangered.  Speaker Anglu Farrugia said the motion was an important one because the situation in Libya affected Malta and Maltese interests. The government and opposition, he said, should work together for more stability in Libya to be achieved.

Foreign minister George Vella has appointed Ambasssador Joe Mangion has his envoy to coordinate Malta’s efforts with those of the international community, following a call for countries to appoint special representatives to engage with the personal envoy of the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs in discussing the Libyan situation.

Ambassador Mangion has served in Malta’s missions in the Arab world and in particular Libya, for a number of years and is presently engaged as Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

“Malta appeals to the international community, particularly those countries and institutions that have a direct interest in the region, to seek all avenues that bring about a complete halt to the violence that is now putting at risk so many civilian lives.

“Malta as always is fully committed to assist the friendly Libyan people to implement all necessary reforms in their country and participate in all initiatives taken by the international community that will eventually lead to democratic dialogue and bring an end to the crisis,” Vella said.

In comments to the press, Vella said that the situation in Libya was changing constantly, but said that the ministry had been following the situation closely.

"We are prepared for any situation and will take concrete steps if and when necessary. Prior to the outbreak, we had already created a crisis response centre. In fact, we have already managed to contact 264 persons through telephone calls, Skype and other internet means and they have all assured us that their lives are not in danger. The situation is, of course, bad but it is not as dramatic as it is being made out. Calls to the embassy are being directly diverted to the ministry," Vella said.

"What happened was that the situation had calmed down a lot and things seemed like they were almost going back to normal.nee then held our annual conference of ambassadors last week. Of course, the Ambassador to Libya was also present and when he was going to go back, the airport closed and he was caught outside of Tripoli," Vella said.

The minister refuted suggestions from the Opposition that the government had abandoned Maltese nationals in Libya, calling the PN's message "irresponsible and non-factual.""

"We are not slacking - we know the situation of every person that we have contacted and no one is as yet in real danger of dying."

"There is no need yet for an evacuation. After having spoken to people on the ground, we are prepared for any eventuality. We must keep in mind that calling for an evacuation is a political message which could have a negative ripple effect on the actions of other countries, which in turn, would surely not be the best solution for Libya right now.

"It is a very delicate situation and we must tackle it responsibly. There is no need to alarm families until it may be absolutely inevitable. Of course, we will continue to appeal for calm and peace - and a solution based on dialogue."

The Libyan interim government has said it is discussing the option of foreign intervention in the face of unchecked aggression at Tripoli Airport saying the violence could plunge Libya into chaos.

The government said it could ask international forces to intervene to protect national institutions and guarantee the lives of civilians. The announcement came following an emergency cabinet meeting.

The government called on all military factions to cease their operations and report any field commanders breaching this order to the authorities. It asked forces at Tripoli Airport to withdraw from their positions to a distance of 20 kilometres although it did not say how it would enforce this.

According to official reports, 90 per cent of the planes which had remained at Tripoli Airport have been damaged. A committee of elder and prominent Misratan and Zintani figures has been charged by the government with finding a resolution to the current crisis. Its decision, the government has said, will be binding and will be passed on to the Arab League, the African Union, the EU and the US.