The recent release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi again drew attention to Malta's possible involvement in the case. But Malta has now also started featuring again in the 22-year-old controversy over arms shipments by Libya to the IRA in Northern Ireland.

Victims of the IRA bombings are pressing for compensation from Libya, but the North African country had so far flatly rejected any claims.

In 1987, the efforts of the newly-elected Nationlist government to repair Malta's overseas image were jolted when, on November 1, French forces seized a small ship carrying some 120 tonnes of weapons on their way from Libya to Northern Ireland.

The ship had previously been in Malta for some six weeks, and the governemnt had to strenously deny that the ship could have been loaded here.

The Irish crew of the vessel have since confirmed that the weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles, plastic explosive and rocket propelled grenades, were actually loaded in Tripoli. They, however, had taken over the ship, the Eksund, in Malta, having travelled on false passports.

Irish Justice Minister Gerry Collins said on November 27, 1987 that three shipments were loaded off Malta and Gozo but there was no proof that Libya was the supplier.

The Casamara reportedly loaded 10 tonnes of weapons off Gozo in September 1985. The shipment consisted mostly of rifles, pistols and grenades.The Dushkas and the Villa followed a similar pattern in October 1985 and October 1986. They had reportedly been at Malta, although they are not thought to have been loaded here.

The Eksund itself had made another three successful trips carrying weapons, although the shipments were far smaller than the last one and loading could therefore also be carried out at sea.