Foreign Minister in Libya on first trip

The time has come for a political solution to the continental shelf dispute between Malta and Libya for the purposes of oil exploration, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.

Speaking to The Times from Libya, Dr Borg said that although he did not want to raise expectations, both he and his Libyan counterpart, Abdul Rahman Shalgam, held that "the time has come" for political decisions on how this dispute can be resolved.

He explained that although the International Court of Justice had given a ruling some years ago, this only covered a specific part and there were disputes over the eastern and western part of the area in question.

"I could feel that there was a political determination on the part of Libya to try and find a solution," he said, adding that, in his view, Malta had already granted concessions.

Dr Borg warned that one had to tread carefully because there were also claims by Italy in the area disputed by Malta and Libya. It was imperative for Malta to know which part belongs to it so as to avoid any problems when it comes to drilling for oil.

"I think the issue has dragged on for too long," he said, adding that Malta intended to seek a political solution.

Dr Borg said immigration was also discussed and he invited both his Libyan counterpart and the incoming Italian Foreign Minister to a meeting, to be held probably in Malta. He said the Libyan minister has already accepted and the talks would revolve around both immigration and the patrolling agreement signed between Italy and Libya last December.

The proposed Union for the Mediterranean and the granting of visas were also discussed.

This was Dr Borg's first foreign visit since being appointed Foreign Minister last month. He flew to Egypt yesterday where he will be today.