Update 6: Policemen clear Castille Square after scuffle, protests during Israeli FM's visit

The police this afternoon removed members of the Graffitti movement from Castille Square following a brief scuffle earlier when the protesters tried to block the entrance of the Auberge de Castille as Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman was arriving for talks with the Prime Minister.

The group of some 10 activists shouted insults at the foreign minister including 'terrorist' and 'criminal' because of oppression of the Palestinian people. They also unfurled a large Palestinian flag.

The police promptly pushed the activists to one side of the square. One activist was arrested.

While Mr Lieberman held talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, more policemen arrived at the square and shortly after the officers ordered the youths to move off the square. When they refused they carried or pushed the youths to the side roads but there was no further incident.

An official who was accompanying Mr Lieberman was seen asking a senior police officer to move the protesters away. He later also asked him to order Maltese journalists to move further away from Castille's main door. Some policemen moved closer to the journalists but did not ask them to move.

Mr Lieberman left after about 30 minutes, ignoring questions.

MEETING WITH JOSEPH MUSCAT

He later called on Opposition leader Joseph Muscat at Labour headquarters at Hamrun.

In welcoming comments, Dr Muscat expressed concerns over the shooting of Maltese pro-Palestinian activist Bianca Zammit and the blockade of the Gaza strip by Israeli forces.

Mr Lieberman said his visit to Malta was the first by an Israeli minister for several years and should serve as a new beginning in relations. He said the two countries had various common issues including the environment, security and immigration.

He also said that his country had no issue with the Palestinian people. The issue, he said, was with terrorist organisations such as Hamas.

Journalists were then asked to leave the room.

The Israeli minister will have talks tomorrow with Foreign Minister Tonio Borg. He is also expected to address a press conference.