Libya accepts EU proposals
'Libya considered Malta a friend in the EU'
The ball is in the court of the Swiss government after Libya yesterday declared as acceptable the EU's proposals to resolve the diplomatic row between the two countries.
A Maltese government spokesman said yesterday that Libya had accepted the proposals following a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos, on behalf of the EU Presidency.
However, the spokesman said the proposals could not yet be disclosed.
Libya has blocked all entry of nationals from European Schengen-area countries after Switzerland, which is also in the zone, issued a blacklist of 188 senior officials that includes President Muammar Gaddafi.
Relations between the two countries soured in 2008 when Gaddafi's son Hannibal and his wife were arrested and briefly held in Geneva after two domestic workers complained the couple had mistreated them.
Talks involving the Swiss, Libyans and several EU countries, including Malta, have been underway to try and resolve the dispute.
Yesterday's announcement was made after a meeting between Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoudi al Baghdadi and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who is on a visit in Tripoli.
During the hour-long meeting, Dr Borg explained Malta's position with regard to the situation and expressed the hope that a solution will be found.
He added that many Maltese working in Libya were hoping that their visas would be renewed as usual.
During the meeting, Dr Borg also said he would raise the issue again in the EU Ministers' Council on March 22 should a solution not have been found by then.
In return, Mr al Baghdadi said he appreciated the help of Malta, which it considered to be a friend in the EU.
Later, Dr Borg met European Affairs Minister Abdulati Alobidi, who informed him of the latest developments.