Opposition leader in Libya on party business

Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat is in Libya on party business, cancelling two scheduled courtesy calls he had with the President and the Speaker yesterday.

The Labour Party initially announced Dr Muscat's absence from Malta saying he was abroad on party business, without saying where. It was only later that the party issued a clarification saying he was in Libya.

Another statement was issued later with further details, explaining that Dr Muscat had been invited by the Libyan government and that he was accompanied by the party's international secretary, Alex Sceberras Trigona, and Keith Schembri, chairman of the party's working group on energy. When asked whether this was an impromptu visit, a party spokesman said the invitation arrived in July but the dates were only finalised last week, following a number of considerations including Ramadan, Parliament's schedule and the upcoming budget.

Dr Muscat's first meetings were with Libyan Foreign Affairs Secretary Suleiman el Shahoumi and the Speaker of the General Congress, Muftah Khaiba, on energy and the international oil prices.

This is Dr Muscat's first visit abroad since his appointment as Opposition Leader last week. Deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia is acting leader in his absence.