PM delayed in Libya as Barroso waits in Malta

Talks in Malta between European Commission President-in-waiting José Manuel Durão Barroso and the Prime Minister were delayed yesterday after Lawrence Gonzi had to unexpectedly fly from Tripoli to Misurata to meet Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

A government spokesman confirmed yesterday that the meeting between Col. Gaddafi and Dr Gonzi was scheduled for Tuesday evening but for some reason did not take place.

Dr Gonzi was expected to leave the Libyan capital yesterday morning in time for his meeting with Mr Barroso. However, he was invited by Libyan officials to take a 20-minute flight to Misurata, situated about 250 kilometres east of Tripoli, in order to meet the Libyan leader, which he did.

Dr Gonzi flew direct to Malta from Misurata, landing at about 1 p.m. His meeting with Mr Barroso at the Prime Minister's official residence in Girgenti had been scheduled to start at 12.30 p.m.

In view of Dr Gonzi's delay, plans were changed and instead of going into talks, the Prime Minister joined Mr Barroso on a trip round the Grand Harbour.

Mr Barroso, who had also asked for a couple of hours of "time out" for himself, decided to make the best of his waiting time and took this "break" before meeting Dr Gonzi rather than afterwards, as was originally planned. This meant the meeting started at 4 p.m.

A press briefing planned for about 1.15 p.m. in Girgenti eventually took place at 6.30 p.m.