Updated: Libyan aircraft denied landing permission

Joe Xuereb

Feb 25th 2011, 21:13

@Mario Camilleri - ??? You believe and doom and gloom but at least you also believe in prayer to keep away the evils of war. I am not so lucky. I have to deal with things as they arise.

This link here is by Malcolm Rifkind (ex-Defense Minister of UK). His take on weaponry to Middle Eastern countries is interesting.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23926243-the-middle-east-is-ready-to-join-the-rest-of-the-world.do

This link is a review of a book just published about the interventionism of USA in Afghanistan. It is useful to know who one is dealing with. The situation in Afghanistan is ongoing. The western troops are trying to do a good job. Back in UK they are vilified.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23896556-millions-to-fall-silent-to-mark-armistice-day.do

So it's more of the same. Shame on medieval mindsets, a real stumbling block.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/book/article-23926345-rodric-braithwaite-describes-russias-hard-lesson.do

T Mifsud

Feb 25th 2011, 13:32

@Steve Mifsud

The plane DID have exactly what you laughed at!

joseph martin

Feb 24th 2011, 18:47

To you all,stop writing things and making up theories as you dont know who is watching,as for the refusal of the plane landing ,there are procedures which have to be applied so if you dont know the procedures ( like I dont know) stop commenting and making stupid comments.

Joe Xuereb

Feb 24th 2011, 11:26

@Flask. Forget Nostradamus and all that nonsense. Get a grip instead.
It is quite simple really. All one needs to do is understand how blackmail works (at a personal level and politically, at an international level).
The blackmailer blackmails meanwhile committing the occasional atrocity here and there - with acts(Lockerbie), with speech(Europe will be Islamized). In this case, the blackmailer is tainted with megalomania, and sits on a strong card called black gold. He can be challenged but his challengers are also 'greedy' for what he has and so appease him and rehabilitate him. This only increases the blackmailer's mania and sense of power. The solution - never give in to blackmail for the price one pays is too high. Our PM shook hands with the colonel only days ago. What did the PM hope to gain? The PM's smile appeared genuine and benign enough. All the colonel could manage was a smirk, ever the Sphinx.

Ludwig Flask

Feb 24th 2011, 06:57

“On the Day of Judgment, to proclaim the traitorship of a traitor and the betrayal of a person who betrayed his words, a flag shall be hoisted which would be as high as [the extent of his] traitorship”, and [the Prophet also said]: “Remember that no traitor and betrayer of promises is greater than the one who is the leader and ruler of people”. Sahih Muslim 1738” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qur%27an_and_violence, 2011)

In my opinion the plane should have been permitted to land whoever was on it. But I’m not an expert of aviation rules or government law so I’m assuming this was the right decision taken by the experts!

What I cannot understand is how come in all these years since Dom Mintoff’s leadership, Maltese have done good business in Libya, even Dr Gonzi has paid a visit to Col. Gaddafi recently, and now we reject any connections?

Why countries such as UK, France, Italy, China, and ‘the world saver’ USA, haven’t done a move yet? Maybe there are hidden interests? Maybe they are liable as Col. Gaddafi? Were Iraq and Afghanistan a different story?

What mess of wrong decisions!

Damian Fenech

Feb 24th 2011, 06:22

According to the Al Jazeera website, Aisha Gaddafi has appeared on Libya's state television denying she tried to flee to Malta.

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/02/2011223164125540203.html

maria whitehead

Feb 24th 2011, 00:45

Unrelated question, so what happens to the local businesses which gaddafi's family have stakes in? and on a completely absurd note, whilst googling gaddafi's name... a search result also noted nostradamus' prediction that an Arab leader would fall and seek shelter in Italy.. I don't believe in predictions and this crap... but am certainly curiously amused with this one. :)

Joe Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2011, 23:10

@Mario Camilleri (6hrs.21mins.ago). B'rispett kollu mhux int ghidt li ahna qalbna iebsa imma Kristu. Imma tinsiex, dak li suppost qal Kristu, kliem li mhux hlief ghajdut fl-ahhar mill-ahhar, dak kien elfejn sena ilu. Ir-realta` ta' llum hi wisq differenti. Jekk jigu hafna Libjani (u ohrajn) int lesti il-camp-beds u lozor friski biex tilqa`. Pero` kif jghid il-Malti, 'omm il-gifa qatt ma taghli (imma omm il-pruzuntuz taghli dejjem)'.
Skond artiklu iehor f'din il-gazzetta, i-tifla ta' Gaddafi hi bint missierha. Ara: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110223/local/leaks-expose-gaddafi-corruption
Skond l-artiklu, qalet lill-mara ta' huha biex il-marki tas-swat ta' zewgha (bin Gaddafi u hu Aishe) tirrapurtahom bhala incident u mhux marki ta' vjolenza. Bejta tas-sriep kollha kemm hi insomma.
Affarijiet tal-ghageb ma jitwemmnux! Pajjizi sinjuruni bid-deheb iswed u ma jaghrfux jimmaniggawh. Jirriskattaw id-dinja b'gidem sfaccat u lesti ukoll jimmassakraw lil nieshom biex isahhu l-agenda taghhom. Ma nies hekk ma tridx lanqas taqla' x'tiekol ghax illum jew ghada thallasha qarsa.

S. Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2011, 21:33

Whoever might have been on the plane ... why wasn't it allowed to land? If it was defectors or refugees I believe they had a right to be allowed to land at least. If it were some ranking official of the regime, keep them under close scrutiny and if appropriate have them prosecuted in an international tribunal .... Unless we wanted to sit on the fence on this one!

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 23rd 2011, 21:25

Regardless to who might have been on board ... why did the Maltese authorities not allow the plane to land?

VV Bartolo

Feb 23rd 2011, 21:07

tghid it-2 flight tal-air malta li kellha topera llum giet ikkancellata appunta habba li malta rrifjutat dan l-ajruplan?!

Joseph Vassallo

Feb 23rd 2011, 20:38

I would have allowed the plane to land but with precautions to see that everything was controlled by the armed forces.

Putting a plane in danger is arguably just as bad as shooting it down.

There has been a precedent when fuel was given to a hijacked plane (I vaguely remember) which then set off again without further mishap on Maltese territory.

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 23rd 2011, 19:43

It was Cain who first asked "Am I my brother's keeper?" Not a very desirable role-model I am afraid. Apart from the fact that whilst avoiding to step on lame duck Gaddafi's toes we may be antagonising some future Libyan government.

Charles.C.Brown

Feb 23rd 2011, 19:24

A very wise decition we should not get too involved in this very delicate situation.

Claude Lacoste

Feb 23rd 2011, 19:01

18h30 - French TV news "Malta - denied landing of a Libyan plane" without comment or trial.
Reinforcements from the EU should develop, soon : continue to be vigilant while waiting.
I am with all my heart with you, even if I live 2000 km.

Gianfranco

Feb 23rd 2011, 19:01

I don't understand , why they didn't head for Catania ? Once low in fuel no landing could be denied

H Grech

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:48

Although I can back the Authorities' decision not to allow the plane to land in Malta - I still think that we should show some solidarity with the Libyan people - for all we know the 14 pax on board this aircraft could have been desperate persons fleeing a war raveged country - I still think we should allow them to disebark here until the unrest eases.....

S Zammit

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:41

And what if they had commandos on board ready to go for their mirages; to get them back or to destroy them? Are maltese people safe from what comes out of any unscheduled aeroplanes coming our of Libya at the moment? The authorities did the right thing when they refused permission.

E. Salem F.

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:38

First of all I would like to thank all of those who are asking for the permition to be granted to the plane to land since they THINK those on board they might be civilians BUT, I would like to ask them, what if Ghaddafi or any of his family are on board, will you still want the plane to land? If yes...? If no, then I would like to put your mind in peace that normal Libyans dosen't have such a LUXURY toll. So let him die there after all he wanted to die as a MARTYR.

J Agius

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:37

Libya's former justice minister claims Colonel Gaddafi personally ordered the Lockerbie bombing which killed 270 people in 1988.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1359910/Libyan-leader-personally-ordered-Lockerbie-bombing-says-Justice-minister.html#ixzz1Enx6NSs5

T Mifsud

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:31

If Gaddafi had still some power left, I wouldn't discount that he would try and send a small contingent of soldiers and 2 Mirage pilots and take control of the airport to take back the fighters. These would be the 'passengers' of such an aircraft.

I wouldn't brush it off because Gaddafi is as unreliable and defiant as a leader can get.

Joseph Calleja

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:27

Seriously, What would have the Maltese government done if this airplane decided to land anyway? Shoot the plane up in the air?

Steve

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:26

I am a proud maltese guy, but am working in the UK. Guys I am really worried about my beloved malta, my family, friends and the maltese population. Hope that the PM have a good plan if the worst will happen, remember we dont have a strong military so EU need to help us. What if gaddafi will realease some chemical weapon, we are near libya.....my god please help us.

James De Giorgio

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:24

Now I'm REALLY curious!! Any credible theories, anyone?

Joseph Ellul

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:23

That was the most sensible decision to make.Correct do not give permission to land.Stay neutral. Even their own Arab league has suspended Libya from their inner circle,why? To show the world that they do not condone Tiranny. How far is this going? Gaddafi said he is ready to die as a "Martyr", well I am sure someone will hear his plight and make him a "Martyr".I agree with everyone who said that for all you know there might have been a group of commandos ready to attack and take back the war planes,this man has no borders and does not understand any limits except his own Lust.
This is an opportunity for the whole World to pressure the man(monster) to make himself a "Martyr".
Gaddafi must go.

Alex Ellul

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:20

From:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=215454646984933465708.00049c59184ae1136341a

"An as yet unconfirmed report that the pilots of 2 jet fighters sent to bomb weapons stores in Ajdabiya, with not enough fuel to divert to Malta, ejected from their planes near the city."

So, gaddafi is not even trusting his own airforce. The warplanes are being loaded with enough fuel for a short mission, and not enough to reach Malta in case t he pilots decide to defect. So the pilots are ditching their planes after ejecting in the Benghasi area which is in the hands of the Libyan people.

Gaddafi should be out by the end of this week.

A.Busuttil

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:18

Nahseb li din mhiex decizzjoni tajba ghax ghad hemm hafna Maltin il Libja u jekk dawn jghamlu l-istess?

S. Fenech

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:14

The LIbyans are not after us the Maltese but their enemies the British and the Americans, we have nothing to fear from these people. S.Fenech v.Malta

Alex Ellul

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:13

GADDAFI'S REIGN IS ALREADY OVER. Libya has beeN practically taken over by the people. Gaddafi controls only the city of Tripoli, by the use of paid mercenaries who will desert himonce they realise that all is up. Meanwhile everyone in power is deserting him, armies are declaring themselves with the people and airforce pilots are ditching their warplanes in the meditrerranean sea.. THE TYRANT IS FINISHED.

G. Mangion

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:10

I have seen some really silly comments down here , what if that and, why not that:

It is for the Government to see what is the best option to take in the Interest of Malta & the A,F.M. Malta is a small Country But We will not Tolerate any abuse of Our kindness to No One
Who ever might be !! This Libja Issue is not a football game ! So let the Government do his Work Properly and Wisely ... Some comments here are ..........

Jon Agius

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:07

Protect the pilots!!! Who knows who could have been there on the plane?? I'm sure Gaddafi won't let protestors flee Libya on Libyan airlines!!

Carmel Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:06

@K.Camilleri. U hallina allura inti trid tebellahilna li jekk hallew l-ajruplan jinzel u kumbinazzjoni fih kien ikun hemm it-tifla ta' Gaddafi dawn il-ftit Libjani li hawn jghixu hawn kienu se jkissru lil Malta!!!!!! Mela l-pulizija ghalfejn qeghdin mhux biex izommu l-ordni fl-argument tieghek stess mela jekk Alla hares qatt ahna l-Maltin nirvillaw lil Malta nghamluha trab f'kemm trodd salib. Hallina Sur Camilleri. Issa ezempju dan veru kien hemm it-tifla ta' Gaddafi, u setghu kienu nies li abbandonaw lil Gaddafi wara kollox u x'hin jaslu lura jigu maqtula hadd minn dawk li ha d-decizjoni li ma jhallix lil dan l-ajruplan jinzel ma ser ikollu xi ghafsa ta' qalb? Ghax wara kollxo kullhadd ha jiehu li haqqu imma wara li jghaddi process gudizzjarju. U fuq l-ajruplani li hawn tal-Libjani dak ghandhom jipparkjaw trakk fuq quddiem u iehor fuq wara taghhom halli zgur ma jkunux jistghu jiccaqalu minn hadd. nuzaw ftit sens please. U ma ninsewx li bhalissa ghalina l-Maltin is-sikkina taqtha minn nahha tat-tnejn. ghalhekk irridu noqghodu mizien. Pajjizi ohra huma ikbar minnha bil-bosta u ghandhom rizorsi u ahna niddependu minn kullhadd. Ghalhekk inqisu mitt darba u naqtghu darba.

Raymond Sammut

Feb 23rd 2011, 18:02

The Times are very quick. This article is already being re-onlined by other sites, including Reuters.

Jaycee Sullivan

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:54

at K Camilleri
PLEASE - Malta is a sovereign state and quite capable of dealing with the most difficult of situations. Help from the EU - ahhhh!!! Now it's affecting their backyard and they just MIGHT do something, after years of pleading with them for more financial assistance regarding immigrants.

Paul Barrett

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:54

Just out of interest.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NEUTRAL POWER:

Belligerents may not invade neutral territory, and a neutral power's resisting any such attempt does not compromise its neutrality.

A neutral power must intern belligerent troops who reach its territory, but not escaped prisoners of war. Belligerent armies may not recruit its citizens, but they may go abroad to enlist. Belligerent armies' men and material may not be transported across neutral territory, but the wounded may be. A neutral power may supply communication facilities to belligerents, but not war material, although it need not prevent export of such material.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutrality_(international_relations)

alexandra gerada

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:51

proset talli ma hallejtuhx jinzel.

Andrew Agius

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:49

Not In My Back Yard eh?
Shocking. Those people are likely to be dead or at least imprisoned for trying to leave the country and Malta, in all her Christian charity, turns them back.
Let's just keep looking away shall we?
Let's just keep on ignoring these people, perhaps they'll just go away and we can get back to our hypocritical little lives and out little island mentality.
First they came for the Libyans, and I did not speak out for I was not a Libyan, then they came for...?
If any one of you people praising this decision ever need help from anyone in your lives you better hope that there's no such thing as Karma, and you better hope that you do enough good in your lives to wipe out your ugly indifference toward these people.

malcolm seychell

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:46

Obviously I agree that no aircraft should land in Malta.

However by this decision the government unofficially declared war against Gaddafi. We accepted the other planes to land because they are against gaddafi and this one we didnt because Gaddafi's daughter may be on it

Minn jemmen f alla haga wahdu ghandu jaghmel. Itolbu li Gaddafi ma jibqax mexxej ghax nibku ta vera

A.Farrugia

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:45

Prosit lill awtoritajiet Maltin tal passi li hadu, mela da xi hadd jaf min kien hemm fuqu?? ic cirkustanzi ma humiex normali u ghalhekk irridu jittiehdu precautions serjismi, wara kollox l-ewwel Malta u l- Maltin.

Martin Farrugia

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:44

They should be allowed to land and if there are past or current collaborators or family members of Gadhafi on board they should be arrested and tried for the crimes against humanity that their regime is so manifestly guilty of.

J.F.Micallef

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:39

Some questions spring to mind: why havn't the Libyan authorities informed Malta about their intentions and the idendity of the passengers before deciding to head to Malta and land here? Why choose Malta, when there are so many other close airports to go to? Is it because we are considered weak and powerless? How could the Libyans expect us to just grant them a landing unconditionally when they have just refused our Airmalta planes to go to Libya to evacuate our terrified fellow countrymen? Is there a whiff of arrogance and an air of superiority here, similar to the gunboat incidence of old - assuming that Malta should cower into submission under the might of a much powerful neighbour? We are a sovereign state and an EU member to boot, and situations like this should be carried out with diligence and respect to our sovereignity and independence.

joe pisanu

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:33

how come Aljazeera is still stating that there could have been his daughter and our Govt is denying the possibility ? Im quite sure that Aljazeera correspondents have more info than our Govt. Jalla she was not there and hope its over soon as we are too much in the limelight.....

P Sciberras

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:31

Just keep pushing Gaddafi to the edge,and his next step will be,destroy the oil wells and refineries by ordering to explode them.then everybody will be happy.Malta must look after its own interests first,other obligations comes second.

jeremy cassar

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:31

I wish safety to everyone , however , if VIPs like Gadaffi's daughter , son's wifes etc etc come to malta for sheltering and safety etc etc and Malta accepts them then it will only be a matter of time before Libyans that are against Gaddafi start invading and attacking Malta in search of these VIPs in order to use as weapons against Gadaffi himself!!! - either way , unfortunately we are in the middle of all this just because we are the closest to Libya. Unfortunately Malta is only able defend itself till a limited point because we are in no way equipped or capable of fighting back if the guns turn to us!!!! meaning USA or UK to the rescue and Malta becomes one big quarry in a matter of days with todays' technology!!!! God forbid all I said but its quite worrying ..

Manuel Micallef

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:30

These are very delicate moments.

I think if people are escaping presecution - we are somehow obliged to offer temoporary shelter until the situation calms down.

But now we are talking of elite Libyan people including Gaddafi's daughter. If we refuse them entry, we must not forget that many of our countryman and women are still in Libya trying to make their way home...... I hope there are no revenge attempts on our people.

It is a very delicate moment indeed.

osman jamal

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:28

with out ambition there is no chance of success

also there is no chance if there is not a sense reality .

D.Caruana

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:27

Well done AFM and everyone else who made them turn back, you never know whats inside a plane until it lands.... better safe then sorry. And please stop criticizing the authorities, they are being given commands and they have to obey!! After all, it's for everybody's safety,

Corinne Vella

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:23

Did the plane try to land in Catania? Did Italy refuse landing permission? Relevant questions. Catania airport is closer than Libya.

jgalea

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:23

flok nikkumentaw fil vojt, nahsbu fi shabna il maltin, jekk huma suldati, crew ta l-airmalta, awtoritajiet li qeghdin f sitwazzjoni delikata hafna

grazzi mill qalb ta xogholkom

K Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:22

The Maltese Authorities did the best thing. The articles says Gaddafi's Daughter could have been on board. Imagine the libyans who are protesting against Gaddafi get to know that his daughter is on the island!!!!! Lanqas il-blata li habat maghha San Pawl ma jhallu shiha!!! The Maltese Authorities should seek help from the EU & not get involved in this issue.

K FArrugia

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:22

if the above is true, it is a sign that gaddafi s reign will soon be over!!!

Charles J. Buttigieg

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:20

It's becoming more serious by the minute

victor pulis

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:18

Gaddafi has always been unpredictable and untrustworthy,. He has never had any real friends but friends of convenience including our own leaders. when it came to the crunch he even betrayed Mintoff's trust and prevented us from drilling for oil eliciting from Mintoff the term "An act of the worst enemy". Now that his back is against the wall his unpredictability is the most dangerous. One may expect anything from him. If he goes down he wll try to bring as many people down with him as he can.

P.Micallef

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:16

I’m sure the plane had enough fuel, Libya is less than an hour flying time away. It was not an emergency landing they requested ... but simply to land- A plane a day with 14 passenger will soon amount a large problem.

Turn the plane back - Good decision. We are neutral and should remain so.

Have it 14 terrorists, murderers, innocent individuals or children we should not be taking in the unknown. The next thing they'll be doing is sending a small missile enough to eradicate us all.... If they had requested refuge it would have been a different story although none the less even more worrying.

G. Caruana

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:13

This is really getting scarier by the minute now... :\

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:12

Let us hope that they were not genuine refugees escaping from the conflict in Libya and who will be executed as soon as they return there having been refused landing facilities here so that would have their blood on our hands.

David Scerri

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:11

malta is now making world news, all for the wrong reasons,being drawn into other peoples problems, have patients, you done the right thing turning this plane away, dont become an airport for any tom dick or ahmed, who wants to land,

Kirsty Vidal

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:11

Qed taraw....mur hallih jinzel!!!! kellhom ragun il-Lebanon ma hallewhx jinzel

Joseph Aquilina

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:11

Why didn't they let the plane land? What difference would it make?

Neville Cassar

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:08

For all we know they could have been commandos and two pilots, come to regain possession of the fighter jets being held in Malta.

AFM should thread carefully.

Ron.Camilleri

Feb 23rd 2011, 17:08

Regards the permission for landing this plane; it's better think twice before we act. One has to be sure as much as possible who the people on board are because afterwards it is too late.

John Vella

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:58

Ghax il-Maltin poplu generuz.

c.camilleri

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:57

@ Louis Zammit. How right you are Louis. Recent events show how vulnerable our little island is to foreign events and interference. Yes this should open the eyes of those who in the past thought and perhaps still think that proclaiming our neutrality would safe us from events happening around us. Thank heaven that we had a party that always thought about this happening and always tried to get the support of other western democratic countries. Being in EU just make our minds at rest.

j vella

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:56

i think the authorities did the right thing...if it was an 'innocent' flight they should have asked permission before they left and not give details of a flight booked yesterday....i think the maltese authorities' priority is to safeguard us first and foremost and this seems the best way forward

carmend

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:55

i agree with david galea as i have the feeling that it might be the same one that has been trying to land in lebanon .With only 14 people on board it is not carrying peoplle who are trying to make a getaway
Surely the authoities know whay they are doing and lets say no to harbouring criminals and yes to help a nation of suppressed people.
thank god we live in a democratic country

Stephen Florian

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:52

THE MALTA GOVERNMENT RIGHT NOW IS ABIDING BY INTERNATIONAL LAW. THAT PLANE HAS NO MANIFEST. IT IS THE BEST POSSIBLE THING TO DO. OTHER WOULD NOT THINK TWICE BEFORE SHOOTING IT DOWN.

HAVE COURAGE VERY SOON ALL OF THIS WILL BE OVER !!!

Joseph Calleja

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:51

How can Malta refuse landing to this aircraft when we welcome thousands of illegal immigrants at will? Is the government favouring Gaddafi? Quo Vadis Malta? Whether we like it or not we are involved in this turmoil. Don't forget a couple of weeks ago The PM was shaking hands with Gaddafi and only God knows what was said and promised in those discussions. Yes unfortunately we are committed and there is no going back. Let this plane land under watchful eyes and let's not cause any more havoc. Don't forget we are under the scornful eyes of the whole world. Where does the EU come into this?

Alice Borg

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:50

qeghdin taraw kemm vera kien se jispiccalhom il fuel?! dawn izzommhom mili il boghod trid mela nilqawhom hawn! ma nafux l intenzjonijiet taghhom . Well done to whoever had the guts to take a stand in favour of Malta's interests!

Carmel Xuereb

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:48

Hemm min hemm fuq l-ajruplan qabel jillandja ma nistghux inkunu nafu. U l-ewwelhaga li ghadu jsir hu li meta jillandja dan l-ajruplan johduh jipparkja f'zona remotau jigi ccirkondat mill-Forzi Armati ta' Malta u suppost ghandna hafna suldati ttrenjati ghal dawn l-affarijiet (ghax dejjem hekk ftaharna). Wara l-passiggieri li hemm fuqu jinzlu wiehed wiehed kull xhin jigu mghajta u minn hemm johduhom fejn suppost biex jigu nterrogati. U jekk gew xi pampaluni li kienu jikmandaw fil-Libja hemm zewg choices jew kenn politiku (u nkunu ta' ghajb ghad-dinja) jew inkella narrestahom sa kemm niddeciedu x'jigri minnhom. u jekk gie Gaddafi nnifsu forsi Wenzu jiehud sa Kastilja ghat-te, jew taht xi tinda . Ahna mhux nipritkaw id-demokrazija biss imma rridu nuru li ahna demokratici ma kullhadd jekk jigi xi hadd li haqu l-kastig naghuhulu u jekk haqqu l-ghajnu naghtuhielu wkoll f'dan il-mument ta' dizastru li jinabu fih u mhux ghal Libjani jew mhumiex. U la ghax Kristjani je m'haniex l-ghajnua trid taghtiha lil min hu fil-bzonn u jekk hemm bzonn Sur Sammut mhux tapit nghamlulhom imma nofrulhom kenn kull fejn nistghu. Tidher li qieghed ixxamplat u ma tafx x'inhu bzonn!!!

Manuel Micallef

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:47

Who was on that plane?! Normal citizens? Elite Libyans, perhaps even members of the Gaddafi family?

I doubt we will ever know.... but I think we will see more of these attempts. They cannot escape to the west or the east (because these countries are in the hands of rebels), they have to come North towards Malta and Italy.....

John Cefai

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:45

What a pity it was denied landing. Even if there was a military team on it with offensive intentions, would not our army be able to contain it?!? Just one plane load? And why are the 2 pilots still in custody? So that we send them back to Gaddafi if he remains in power? Biex nidhru sbieh mieghu? Bla principji u bla kuragg. Opportunizmu biss. Our government should immediately side with the oppressed and declare so and should take visible action to show solidarity with the oppressed. Enough of appeasement of tyrants.

jgalea

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:45

bhal li kieku gaddafi ha jsib refugju siegha boghod minn pajjizu

JOe VELLa

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:44

Some will say here we go again. The fact is for days I have been writing to:
First: Tell the whole truth to the people because what we hear on the news here is lucking to what one can get from foreign news.
Second: Get prepared because it can get nasty.
Third: When and if we are down no one will stick his neck for us.
Thank you

A cAssatr

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:43

The Govt just launched an aircraft register - we're getting the registrations plus the aircraft

Christian Mallia

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:43

Well said louis zammit.
One of the causes that may hit hard Malta is migration. Just wait a couple of days and we'll see .. if you look to what have happened in the past weeks, hundreds of immigrants have reached italy! Just imagine if they would have reached the Maltese islands instead ...

Joseph Calleja

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:37

How can Malta refuse landing to this aircraft when we welcome thousands of illegal immigrants at will? Is the government favouring Gaddafi? Quo Vadis Malta?

E. Grech

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:37

x'inhu jaghmel idur fil-vojt? ghax ma qabadx u prova jinzel sqallija jew il-grecja ha naraw dawk ihalluhx jinzel!! sew jaghmlu ma jhalluhx jinzel ax once li jinzel umbad ma jistawx jkeccuh.

Evarist Saliba

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:33

Thank God that Malta's security is not in the hands of people who "hehehe" at such a situation and who would allow a Libyan plane whose mission and passengers are unknown to land in our airport where there are two (hichjacked) Libyan military aircraft.
The irresponsibilty of some people is frightening.

mick cauchi

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:32

we need help from EU big 4 now...
this unknown plane need to be escorted by some jet fighters ASAP

Bruce Boyle

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:30

Let it land, make sure there are no Maltese on board trying to get out of Libya, fuel it as a gesture and send the Libyan plane & occupants on their way.

Kirsty Vidal

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:29

Do we know what is in that aircraft??? NO!!!! So it should seek another airport to land and first we must secure our island anx our people. We must not be abused again and be very generous as we always did. Cause after they use us....they are going to trash us as everybody else did to us. Our relatives out there are defending this country and we must stay strong and learn how to say NO. It is their war not ours and we must first give way to our people that are still trapped in Libya!!!

louis zammit

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:27

and then you still get Maltese that tell you i do not care what happens abroad........i am only interested what happens in Malta,,, may this be a lesson that whatever happens abroad can have an effect on us......whether we are in Europe or neutrali...

M Borg

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:27

How can some people comment or judge if you do not know the real facts!!! Let the authorities deal with this. I'm sure they know what they are doing.

david galea

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:25

I think that it might be better to check if this plane is the one that Lebanon has just turned away because Hanibbal Gaddafi's wife is on board, before giving them clearance to land... x'tahsbu....

J. Stafrace

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:25

At this rate we are going to have a whole fleet of aircraft on our hands, not counting the influx of people. This could be the lull before the actual storm for us. So one has to think twice over about this.

Neville Cassar

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:23

By all means make sure that we do not allow Gaddafi to land in Malta ! We are not a safe haven for criminals !

The maltese goverment should discuss this situation with the EU and its security council and get their backing on this desicion.

The pilot might say one thing and the next we will findout that criminals are on the plane once landed.

Why do you think that the Libyan ambassador in Malta hasnt resigned? Cause he will be useless in diplomatic negotiations if he is no longer ambassador.

Gaddafi might be crazy... but he surely has a backup plan which might be crazy enough to work!

Ahmed Al Wattani

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:21

Let us hope that everyone is sarriving safe and sound. Al Qathafi has babsed the Libyan people for many years but now is the time to spring him out.

Best wishes from a fellow Arab from Jordan.

J. Cassar

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:19

14 il ruh ma nahsibx li se jaghmlu differenza lil Malta. Il Maltin li hemm il Libja imisshom gew mieghu u mhux kulhadd ihabbel rasu kif se izid il flights meta il Libyan airlines baqat topera xorta.

Leanne Cauchi

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:19

don't let this aircraft land...who knows whos on it

Steve Mifsud

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:17

Let the plane land, these are not normal circumstances. Imagine if that plane crashes due to lack of fuel.........we'l look really good then....bye bye tourism folks.

A.Borg

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:16

Let them land & offer them food and shelter. God bless the Libyans

RMangion

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:15

ifhem jekk jispiccalu fuel xorta hawn ikollu jinzel hehehe

A Abela

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:12

Ghaddafi could be on this plane.

Michael Andrews

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:08

If Gadaffi's on there then send it straight back.!!!!!

mario camilleri

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:07

dan ghandu jithala jinzel minnu fih fejn huma il kristjanezmu jew tridu tkunu komplici ta dan il genocidju.Ja oqbra imbajda sewwa jejd kristu fuqkom thobbu tidru fuq lewwel postijiet ta quddiem imma qalbkom ibsa u bla ruh.

D.Caruana

Feb 23rd 2011, 16:05

What a disaster!!!