Update 5 - German warships arrive; Rough seas continue to hamper evacuation
Three German military vessels have arrived in Malta to be on hand to evacuate workers from Libya.
Two of the vessels are expected to take onboard German nationals who landed here earlier this week during the evacuation exercise from Tripoli airport.
The vessels Berlin and Rheinland Pflaz have entered harbour, while the Brandenbur to to remain offshore.
Rough seas in the centre of the Mediterranean are continuing to hamper the evacuation of workers with a number of ships which had been expected in Malta today now expected early tomorrow.
Just over 2,000 Chinese workers in Libya are expected to be brought to Malta on the Roma, a Maltese ship chartered by the Chinese authorities. They will stay on board the ship until aircraft come to pick them up, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Previous reports from other sources said the Chinese workers were to be landed in Crete - which is nearer to Benghazi, where they were embarked.
Thirteen Maltese are understood to be on the same ship.
Two German naval vessels and the British frigate HMS Cumberland are also due in Malta during the night, carrying evacuated workers.
Local agents have also been chartering vessels on behalf of companies trying to get their workers out of Libya.
A Brazilian company has chartered a cruise ship to bring 3,000 workers to Malta from Tripoli. The ship was due to arrive in Tripoli this morning.
Two Virtu Ferries catamarans, chartered by the US State Department and a US company, have still been unable to leave Tripoli harbour. They are now scheduled to leave Tripoli at 1 p.m. The catamarans arrived there on Wednesday. Hundreds of Americans, some Canadians and Maltese are on board. The crew had reported waves as high as 16 feet in the central Mediterranean.
Xinhua, reporting information given to it by Zhang Keyuan, the Chinese ambassador to Malta, said that considering the exit and entry procedures, and the local accommodation capability, the Chinese evacuees will remain on the ship temporarily before boarding chartered flights back home in batches.
Informed sources told timesofmalta.com that two large A340 aircraft are already scheduled to come to Malta to ferry some of the workers back home.
Zhang told Xinhua that the Chinese embassy in Malta is making strenuous efforts to ensure the follow-up evacuations.
Being short-staffed, the embassy has mobilized personnel from local Chinese cultural institutions and companies to facilitate the evacuees' early and safe return to China.
Sources said yesterday that the Maltese government has been in contact with hotels and is even preparing to pitch tents to temporarily accommodate hundreds of workers who are expected to be evacuated to Malta on boats and aircraft.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
Updated: Shot migrant in critical...
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Yana Mintoff: Family speaking to...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
CABS drone shot down
Updated: Labour would give...
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
Second group of migrants arrives
86 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
J Brincat
Feb 26th 2011, 13:24
Didn't realise that these modern military ships couldn't stand rough weather. Thought they were made of sturdier stuff!
Raymond Sammut
Feb 25th 2011, 22:02
Even German warships? How come such a humongous number of foreigners had been working in Libya for all these years while ordinary Libyans have been left with sticks and stones to fight the thugs who had been paying all the money to all these same foreigners? The morality behind this tragedy unfolding is simply revolting and utterly disgusting.
Good luck to the German government, to the Germans, and to their ugly looking German warships. And the same goes for the Italians, and to the rest of the whole lot of them. Please go back to your homes all of you, and leave the Libyan people in peace. Go to your homes and think on all the damage you have caused by working in a country governed by thugs.
And as for you, Dr Gonzi, don't think for a moment that you are some kind of a hero. You and your foreign minister, in my view, are nothing more than puppets and buffoons with no sense of morality whatsoever. Just keep running for your money and for own skin like the rest of them. May the Libyan people finally free themselves from all the wretches of the world.
leonard lombardo
Feb 26th 2011, 02:35
ray you don't know what you are talking about these people know nothing about work they have been given the money on a plate,all these years and more or less have never worked as hard as all the foreigners in their country.secondly no i don't think dr. gonzi or the foreign minister are heroes,you are in every sense of the word everything you called them a puppet and a buffoon who just opens his mouth and bla bla bla nothing of substance so next time you write something pls.write something which is worth reading, as if the prime minister and the foreign minister are not enough pre-occupied with this saga all they need right now is someone like you to tell them that they are not doing anything ,as if you're saying that they are watching the whole saga unfold before their eyes and they are not doing anything at all,even the leader of the opposition was more credible than you are cause he said he was right behind the government in the darkest moment and augured that all the maltese who wanted to come here be brought asap.
Sabrina Borda
Feb 26th 2011, 08:12
How strange and misdirected your anger is.
The only enemy the Libyan people have is their soon to be gone leader.
I am proud of the way the Maltese Government is handling this at the moment.
Getting people out of trouble is a good thing as they call for help.
John Forster
Feb 26th 2011, 10:15
Unfortunately the answer to your question......why are all these foreigners in Libya ? is quite simple...The technology for oil production in Libya is foreign , without this Libya would not be producing oil. Hence foreign technicians being in Libya..... Also the vast majority of oilfield workers are rightly Libyan.
DGalea
Feb 27th 2011, 12:13
Oil-rich Arab countries are known to rely on foreign labour and expertiese to run the show wether it is in the oil fields , construction, technology, health care, education, the hospitality trade or domestic work .Draw your own conclusions.
George Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 20:22
Praise be to our Prime Minister, his foreign Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in handling the Libyian crisis in such a high diplomatic manner. Keep it up. Malta is a small mation but has a great heart and mind.
Trevor Steward
Feb 25th 2011, 20:04
I salute the people and government of Malta for all the help and assistance being given,. with good-will, to the unfortunate who are having to flee from Libya. I trust that the dire position in that country will soon be resolved and that peace will return to the whole region. CONGRATULATIONS MALTA and please accept the good wishes of all peace loving people.
Joe Grima
Feb 25th 2011, 18:25
Reading the reactions of PN apologists , some better known than others, its's a clear case of Dawn Ma jinbidlu qatt. These people never change. Today's spinners and apologists are identical to those of the sixties with the difference that then they had the Chuirch to push from the front and the rear and now they are on their own, desperate for attention, throwing their weight against anything that moves in the direction of or from Labour and looking for an exit before the whole scenario collapses. Carry on chaps. It's amazing how one generation of Nationalists resembles another. Meanwhile not one of these apoloigists has expressed solidarity with the fallen heroes of Libya who have given their lives for freedom. I will, clearly and unmistakably and hope that soon enough Libya will be able to join the free and democratic nations of the world.
Corinne Vella
Feb 26th 2011, 00:58
"I hope that soon enough Libya will be able to join the free and democratic nations of the world."
That's not what you said on PBS the other night.
GiovDeMartino
Feb 26th 2011, 18:29
Libya will join the free world. So did Malta on that glorious May 1987.
Michael Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 17:56
@ Joe Grima Your second comment is not only offensive to the intelligence of all PN supporters, but also to people like my self who owe absolutely no allegiance to any political party. I am too young to properly remember your glory days in politics (thank God), however the simple fact that you insist on being so partisan especially in a tragic case like this of Libya, makes me wonder why the hell the PL has actually accepted you back in their ranks. Your comments not only disgust me but make me realise what kind of person you actually are. You are so full of hatred towards Gonzi, for whatever reason, that you wouldn't realise something good is being done. Thank God you are yesterday's politician and Malta, as a nation, has moved on from the dark days when you were supposedly someone influential in cabinet. All i can say is good riddance and welcome to the young, open minded and much more modern politicians who have taken the place of some good for nothing, partisan dinosaurs that used to warm up the seats of our parliament!
Joe Grima
Feb 25th 2011, 19:28
@Michael Vella. I agree with you that the nation has moved on but you and your ilk haven't. Time you stopped fighting windmills and started to think what to do next when the teat dries up and today's powermongers return to being ordinary mortals. Frightening prospect for some.
Michael Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 21:12
@ Joe Grima
Firstly, it is rather impossible for me not thave moved on, simply because of the fact that i was 8 when your famous government of the 80s was sent to the history books. Unfortunately, some people like yourself like to cling on to the 'good old days' of the early 80s and keep trying to instigare this unwanted partisan hatred, that only die hard fanatics of any party would be interested in.
Secondly, i have absolutely no qualms with the LP being elected at the next general election, it should be healthy for our democracy. Do you honestly think i am some sort of puppet whose sole objective in life is to see Gonzi or Muscat Prime Minister? I leave that to other individuals, i got better things to do with my life. I honestly couldn't care a less about who is in the hot seat, as long as what he is doing is in the national interest.
Now go back to preparing your so called TV programme (if you actually do prepare at all). I would much rather watch Cartoon Network than someone of your proven calibre talk partisan rubbish on TV.
M. Debono
Feb 25th 2011, 22:56
JOE GRIMA: nice work patronizing and sticking up your nose at a fellow citizen whose vote your party wishes to attract. I must say that times have indeed changed but not the MLP's way of doing politics which is still stuck in the Gaddafi era.
Joe Grima
Feb 25th 2011, 23:29
@Micahel Vella I am not in the least interested in trading insults with you over political issues. . Enjoy your cartoons because the mentality you demonstrate in your contributions does not go far beyond cartoon age and appreciation. You have every right to be the diehard nationalist that you are even if you try to disguise that by oretending to be some jkind of floating voter. Take it from me. I know floating voters like I know no other catergory of voters in this country. I have been addressing them on Radio and TV for longer than you have been on this planet. In the style of the famous Lloyd Bensten missive to Dan Quayle in that equally famous prf election television debate : I know floating voters. Floating Voters are my friends. Sir, you are no floating voter
joe mifsud
Feb 25th 2011, 17:16
Malta again in its glorious days, ISLAND FORTRESS.
J. Falzon
Feb 25th 2011, 18:39
Yes indeed. With an island fortress comes a fortress economy ;) An island fortress is only "prosperous" in times of war. The rest is poverty, misery and disease. I don't think anyone wants war. If anything, an island fortress is like an invitation for war. Let's see you being the first to man anti-aircraft guns instead of rushing to the shelters, kay? :-)
A. Mifsud
Feb 25th 2011, 17:04
@all those moaning about air fares charged by Airmalta. In extraordinary circumstances, one would expect to pay more for the service. Praise goes to all airmalta staff who despite the dangerous circumstances, are doing their utmost to bring over back as many people as possible. What do we expect ? To get a discounted airfare. Let's consider that major airlines such as Alitalia have discontinued flights to and from Libya due to safety fears. And let's not forget that Airmalta that on it's flight into Libya Airmalta is not pocketing any income as no one is flying into Libya but only fleeing out. This fact alone would justify a double fare coming back!
Peter Korsten
Feb 26th 2011, 12:17
And there's the issue of insurance. Probably, the insurance premium was going up with every flight, and consequently, the ticket price.
mariopandolfino
Feb 25th 2011, 15:44
Prosit lil l-Awtoritajiet ta pajjizna ghax xoghol kollu li qed jsir bhalissa f'din il krizi li inqalet minghajr hadt ma kien qed jistenija.Veru li din il graja hija test tajjeb hafna kif wiehed jahdem hekk tajjeb fil maltemp.
E Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 15:37
To me the fact that all these military ships are in harbour 'for shelter' does not sound right. Since when a military ship cannot take a F6 for a day or so. And if they really came in for shelter I should assume today they might as well leave the wind calmed down.
Mind you I have nothing against Military ships in Grand Harbour, but I suspect we're not being told all the facts.
Is the EU preparing to protect it''s southern borders ???
Kenneth Zammit Tabona
Feb 25th 2011, 16:01
I sincerely hope so
I shudder to think what would happen if the Colonel decides to make a run for it and turns up here
Joe Borg
Feb 25th 2011, 14:55
are these guys paying to use our port an territorial waters?
i gues this is an opportunity not to be missed at least if we don't get monetary compensation we should get grants from the rest of the world
hurrayyy all of a sudden we became important agian
Ilja Albrecht
Feb 25th 2011, 16:02
Just to get that right, Mr. Borg: You are demanding payment from ships that are here on a humanitarian mission? Interesting point of view and so christian in thought too. Even more so since these ships come from EU countries wanting to rescue EU citizens. I bet you and the likes are amongst the first to cry for help once the tidal wave of refugees rolls towards Malta. It would be interesting to see your face if the very same ships/nations would present you a bill then just like you are doing now.
Peter Zarb
Feb 26th 2011, 09:25
Ilja Albrecht it is standard procedure and regulations that foreign ships using any other country's facilities have to pay the established rates. Anything wrong with that?
lawrence cardona
Feb 25th 2011, 13:36
this is not a millitary base so how come all this war ships are in our ports i recall some minister that the ports will be full of criuse liners well said, when? this is an invitation to other EU countries to come here as free as a bird i wish they will do the same when we have illegal imigrants coming over no i must be geting crazy when that happens Malta is allways left alone well i'm soory for our nighbours the libians that in time of need they where the only people that helped us regarding the E U they use Malta and the matese people as toilet pappers used them and throw them this is a country of people that lost there balls where are the graffiti now or because these are not black they are not condaming the acts where is the church i'm still waiting the pope saying something about the lost lifes i do it instead of him tijom mulej il mistrieh ta dejjem .
J Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 14:01
Why are you so against military ships? Dont you know that human beings serve on these ships and that they are here on humanitarian missions, to carry back their citizens to the safety of their country? How low can some maltese people go thanks to the venom laid down by the Labour governments. Or are such people lackeys of the murderer Gadaffi? Cant you recognise a world crisis when because of this Libyan uprising, oil is being sold at $150-200 a barrel. Just wait till next week and you will see the results. Higher tariffs for petrol oil and lubricants. And then the chain reaction, and then we will see you shouting your neck out what a woeful government we have.
T Dingli
Feb 25th 2011, 14:04
If you have a rowing boat, or even an inflatable mattress or a KonTiki clone, you can perhaps make your way to Libya to help evacuate those stuck there. If not then please go for a walk. The weather is perfect for it.
Steve Borg - Marsascala
Feb 25th 2011, 15:05
@Lawrence Cardona
The situation is very volatile and the next three days shall determine the future of the Libyan people, especially if one forsees who shall control Tripoli and Sirte, which as you are Gaddafi strongholds - Sirt being his own turf - and yet Misurata is sandwiched between them and might be the focus of pro-Gaddafi military reprisals.
The presence of these warships is temporary in order to safeguard the safe evacuation of their co-nationals and EU nations and in no way absconds Malta's neutrality. The result of this revolt doesn't compromise our neutrality either, since this does not involve third countries but is an internal issue between the people of Libya itself.
You are right however that the EU countries have in the main largely ignored Malta's plight when faced by the illegal immigration phenomenon and they haven't given merit to the situation.
The Maltese people have to act as one in the interest of our nation and partisan politics should not be allowed to permeate on this issue, at least not until the conflict is settled and the bloodshed ends.
maurice bain
Feb 25th 2011, 13:14
I think air malta are doing an excellent job,in very difficult circumstances!,and should charge accordingly.
Empty outward bound planes need to pay for there fuel!!...hence the hike in prices.
Here in the uk,malta is all over our news,im watching valletta on sky news as i write this. The maltese goverments response to the crisis,has been nothing short of heroic,a true testament to the goodwill off all the maltese people.
Thousands of refugees are on there way to malta,i for one,know they will recieve a warm wellcome and help,whether they come by airmalta,raf or sea.
HMS YORK and HMS cumberland are due in malta too,be a great idea if they were stationed in malta permanatley,in these unstable times,and both are due to be de-commisioned!,
maybe the gov could put an offer in for them! lol regards bestwishes maurice
C Cassar
Feb 25th 2011, 13:08
People working in Libya do so for 2 main reasons:
1) They get paid a alot more than in their home countries
2) they pay little if any tax on their income
Paying a premium to save their own life is quite justified since they have abundant funds to do so for one single flight.
Air Malta is running a business and has put on unscheduled flights to allow those earning alot of money to safeguard their own personal lives and livelihoods.
Air Malta = well done.
L.Cardona
Feb 25th 2011, 13:05
Well those that find Airmalta's fares from Libya rather high can book with Ryanair.
d cini
Feb 25th 2011, 12:53
with all these warships entering the harbor on the pretext to shelter from the rough weather i fear that we are getting involved in war games about which we are not being told anything about. are not these warships designed to withstand such weather (for example in the atlantic ocean)? i still remember dom mintoff saying 'nispiccaw fil-gwerer ta haddiehor u lanqas nindunaw' in one of his recent speeches before EU referendum.
Mario Rodo
Feb 25th 2011, 14:33
Ghandek ragun my friend dik is sitwazzjoni...........
Joe Caruana
Feb 25th 2011, 12:47
A VERY BIG WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY GERMAN NAVY WELL DONE LADS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN MALTA. THE RED AND WHITE FLAG.(ONLY) Viva Malta
Toni Borda
Feb 25th 2011, 12:44
Jien ma nafx ghalfejn qed jevakwaw in-nies! Skond il-Maltin ma hemmx inkwiet ta' xejn, anke s-soru hekk qalet!
mborg
Feb 25th 2011, 13:53
Ghalhekk gew hawn is-sorrijiet u ma baqawx jaghmlu l-hidma pastorali taghhom ghax m'hemmx inkwiet!!! Ahna biss irridu nkunu biex nahbu l-verita!! Ghalfejn ma jghidux li qed jibzaw jitkellmu.
lucia Davies
Feb 25th 2011, 14:29
Dawn in nies maltin u mhumiex iridu jmorru lura jahdmu il Lbya jigri x jigri ghallura mhux ahjar ihalluhom kwieti u ma jsaqsuhom xejn,, naf x qed nghid ghax kellli ir ragel jahdem hekk u nqabad mhux fi gwerra wahda,,, inqas ma jghidu iktar ahjar ghalihom. WELLA DONE TO ALL working to brring them back home,
Toni Borda
Feb 25th 2011, 15:57
Mhux hekk jew! In-nies jigu massakrati u maqtula bl-addocc u lilna l-unika haga li tinteressana hi li l-but jibqa jimtela ikun hemm min ikun hemm! Viva Malta Kattolika!
Steve Zammit
Feb 25th 2011, 18:49
Hallik minn x'qalet is-soru!! Mela ma rajtx il-filmat li qed juri fuq l-ahbarijiet u fuq is-sit elettroniku youtube fost ohrajn??? Genn shih, folol kbar ta' nies, qtil, nirien, hruq, sparar...........
Patrick Pace
Feb 25th 2011, 12:18
Jien tafu x'nixtieq, li meta ahna Malta nigu bzonn xi ghajnuna, nispera li dawn il-pajjizi li ahna bhala Maltin qedin nghinuhom u nhalluhom jidhlu go pajjizna, meta AHNA jkollna bzonn l-ghajnuna u l-protezzjoni insibuhom bhala ghajnuna ghalina.
Claude Lacoste
Feb 25th 2011, 12:03
Sorry but the world out doesn't, yet, know what Malta (Airmalta or Virtu catamaran) is doing for expats : however, these crews are heroes.
Roberto Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 11:41
don't get me wrong, I am not trying to find fault with airmalta rather the contrary, I commend the airline & it's staff for their efforts. I am just pointing out that for the sake of the airline itself it should ensure it's pr & communications team are more visible and explain the surge in fares to avoid the wrong perceptions. Could it's current actions help it to differentiate itself from it's competitors? We all know what airmalta is doing but does the world out there know? Is the world out there in the know of the airline's current predicament?
Roderick Micallef
Feb 25th 2011, 11:27
Why don`t the countries which need to transport people from Libya charter Cruise Liners, they are equipped and meant to transport a large no or passengers and accomadate them with rooms and big restaurants + they can handle rough seas.
L wilde
Feb 25th 2011, 11:02
The "proper" Sky News (not the advertless version shown by Go and Melita) is showing the MTA's "Malta Truly Mediterranean" advert every hour!!! Was hilarious last night cutting from their correspondent shivering outside MIA to the ad showing packed beaches and lovely weather.
C Mifsud
Feb 25th 2011, 10:46
What is everyone moaning about? Money has no value in a time of crisis. I am sure that all the expats returning home can afford these fares.
Jason Sultana
Feb 25th 2011, 10:33
This is a very good thing that we are the closest country to help people that want to go home. But the thing that everybody wants to be advised about is that when the new stastics come out about how many tourists came to Malta, keep in mind that those "tourists" are just people that want to go home. So don't be surprised that one day on the news they say on the news that the number of tourists increased a great deal compaired to other years.
Anthony Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 11:16
How shallow can one be ?
A. Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 11:31
I doubt, statistically, these 'visitors' would be counted as tourists. And anyway, how can you be concerned about something like that right now? Really shallow comment.
edgar gatt
Feb 25th 2011, 10:30
Joe Grima. Do you remember the days when we were asked to pay LM 400 pounds in the 80's to a government that bought these TV for peanuts.. In this crisis, conditions are very difficult and so is the risk. We should thank Air Malta and not run them down.
Charles Sammut
Feb 25th 2011, 10:23
Regarding the cost of flights to Tripoli, bear in mind that besides the huge increase in insurance premiums, aircraft would be flying out practically empty, so no revenue on the outgoing trip. This has to be made up on the inbound flight.
ms ghoare
Feb 25th 2011, 10:12
i really dont care what twitter or anybody is saying about air malta charging alot more , can you put money on a life and after all these people working in libya surely can afford it .We need to consider that air malta is risking Maltese lifes too the crew right, so yes IF AIR MALTA is charging more good luck ,it makes me wonder and I ask if these people that find this disgusting wouldnt you pay anymoney to have one of your family safe , SO LETS STOP and think before we blablabla .if you want out of Libya you have to pay for it
Roberto Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 09:46
A skynews correspondent (@walkerskynews) posted on twitter that "passengers coming back from libya say airmalta have been tripling fares"...if this true, Airmalta should explain why it is doing so, both for its own sake and for the sake of the country. If it is not doing so then it should issue a clear statement denying this. The last thing Malta and the airline need is to be seen as vultures, taking advantage of the dire situation people stranded in libya are in
Manuel Cassar
Feb 25th 2011, 09:57
Mr Vella, I do not think Airmalta is tripling its fares to make money out of this tragedy. Since seats are sold according to the availability on the particular flight, given the huge demand for seats from Tripoli to Malta, the remaining seats would naturally be expensive however this would apply to all airlines not just Airmalta. Let us not forget that the US government which is chartering the Virtu' Catamarans will also be charging its citizens for the cost of the transfer according to commercial rates. Airmalta is surely going beyond its duty duty by choosing to continue to operate extra flights to Tripoli when other major airlines simply pulled out.
R.Borg
Feb 25th 2011, 09:58
Insurance Premium has increased drastically
T Mifsud
Feb 25th 2011, 10:00
Robert,
The flights to Libya were not going to take place because the insurance was not valid for flights into warzones/uprising/revolt. ..... UNLESS that is an exorbitant sum is paid as premium. And that is what happened. These flights are not normal flights but exceptional ones insured for warzone to evacuate Maltese. As you know we don't have Chinooks and C130s, we have to make do with A320s.
The price for the fare is higher because of warzone insurance.
michael cauchi
Feb 25th 2011, 10:01
can confirm that fair is about €420....BIG DISGRACE FOR A 40 MINUTE FLIGHT !!!
( from tripoli cost only €100 )
this was reported this week on PBS news
andrew sciberras
Feb 25th 2011, 10:09
Have you considered the fact that most probably the aircraft insurance must have doubled if not tripled to be abe to carry out these flights. The crew must also be compensated for doing this as it is not a routine every day flight, things are more likely to go wrong. what about the fuel costs. Someone has to pay for an empty flight going to libya it is not just a 1 way trip.
G A Bonello
Feb 25th 2011, 10:21
Insurance premiums have gone up by approx 0.25% of the cost of the aircraft.
Taking a conservative cost of €10m per aircraft, this increases the premium by €25,000.
This works out at around €180 extra per seat. Also, Air Malta issued a statement a few days ago stating that fares are set by the Libyan Aviation authorities.
Henry Fenech Azzopardi
Feb 25th 2011, 10:23
It is obvious that the cost of Air Malta flying out passeners from Libja will not be compatable with normal fare structures.Some of the reasons which come to mind are:
The aircraft has to leave Malta empty since no one in his right senses will go to Libja.
Special personnell like security and company loaders and technicians were involved putting up emergency expenses.
Delays at Libja airport involve dumarage additional cost whiich are not normally involved.
Plus there would be other expenses that I am not aware of that makes the airfare costly in such emenrgency situations.
AirMalta is a commercial company and as such it has to recover its expenses at a huge risk.
Other countries involved their airforce squadrons which unfortunately Malta do not have.
In the circumstances I say thank you Air Malta for making yourself available. The general Maltese public is grateful.
RMangion
Feb 25th 2011, 13:02
Mr Vella,
Please consider that Air Malta is
flying in a high risk zone
Exposing its staff to high risks, with cabin crew and even flight crew going into the terminal to hgelp Maltese NationalS
Air Malta is having to send also its own ground handlers
Well the list goes on
Joe Grima
Feb 25th 2011, 09:08
So when push comes to shove this Gioernment has no qualms of conscience benefiting from the ill fate if other countries and is not doing anything to stop the flow of money coming into this country as a result fo the disaster that others are expriencing in Libya. Shows how hypocritical GDr onzi was when he denounced Joseph Muscat for voicing an opinion the results of which are identical to thise being reaped by this Government from the Libyan chaos at the moment. Of course, the excuse is solidarity,. The real benift though is in hard cash and so it should be.
André Xuereb
Feb 25th 2011, 09:40
Please excuse my ignorance, but how is launching a massive tourist-oriented campaign comparable to helping foreign countries get their citizens out of Libya?
Anthony Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 09:41
These are refugees escaping from Libya in a humanitarian situation. These are not coming to Malta as the result of a massive publicity campaign as suggested by Joseph Muscat. One does not expect any better from certain ex PL/MLP ministers.
Manuel Cassar
Feb 25th 2011, 09:41
The government is not making a tourist promotion campain out of this tragedy as someone has lately suggested. The fact that Malta is so close to Libya makes it the obvious choice for the transfer of workers who were in Libya since it is the closest airport in a safe location. The government is not sounding its trumpets and telling us how beneficial this tragedy is for Malta but on the contrary it is worried about the implications this will have on Maltese business interests in Libya.
Andrew Gatt
Feb 25th 2011, 09:42
Huh? What on earth are you moaning about? Comparing the co-ordinaton of rescue efforts with other countries routed through Malta, to the inane, stupid, thoughtless and insensitive comment made by the PL leader just won't wash.
I wonder what bubble you're living in.
Maurice Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 09:44
Are you serious? Did you read your post before pressing submit?
Can you compare being ASKED for help by other governments and helping as much as possible, to the incredibly tacky and ludicrously insensitive idea of taking advantage of other people 's misfortune?
Are you our former minister of tourism?
Mario Micallef
Feb 25th 2011, 09:45
mr Grima which is the closest european country to Libya geographically?
Anthony Buttigieg MD
Feb 25th 2011, 09:47
Where in this article does it say we are profitting from this situation? Time and again the govt. has stated that all help given was on the single condition that the other countries help evacuate Maltese citizens, something which evidently has occured.If anything all this is costing Malta in increased overtime for our emergency and security services, not to mention in providing for the material needs of these people. However that is irrelevent, we are part of the community of nations and in a time of crisis like this it is our DUTY to help others. Comments like yours are petty and quite frankly make me sick.
Frank Cachia
Feb 25th 2011, 09:51
@Joe Grima
I don't see where Dr. Gonzi is being hypocritical by giving logistical support to all countries trying to evacuate their citizens from Libya.
Andrei Azzopardi
Feb 25th 2011, 09:52
If other countries need our help and they have to pay for the services offered. What is the problem? We are helping them and they are helping us. Isn't that what politics are? I used to hear a saying which goes by 'Ħokli dari ħa nħoklok tiegħek' if I'm not mistaken. This is a benefit for our country and also for the countries that need help. Anyway, no one is saying that the government is earning money as a result of the Libyan turmoil.
Etienne Zammit Lupi
Feb 25th 2011, 10:01
Your comments are pathetic... and just one track minded... May the Maltese continue to give assistance to all those in need...
Joann Bugeja
Feb 25th 2011, 10:03
your comment makes me sick ! No one's capitalising on this !! On the contrary! We are a global village and we have to help each other out !
Mr.Grima your comment shows what the PL is made of !
T Cuschieri
Feb 25th 2011, 10:26
@ Joe Grima
Hypocritical is claiming yourself as 'Il-Partit tal-Haddiem' and then you place such claims against government because it's helping WORKERS get out of the chaos.
With your same reasoning - countries like Libya itself, would you have expected them to charge less money for oil when the world was in crisis a couple of years ago? Being humanitarian doesn't mean doing things for free BUT facilitating the work for others to help their own people. By allowing these ships/aircrafts to use Malta as first base after coming out of Libya is already humanitarian enough.
Unbelievable how certain people can't resist attacking government even when the main issue here are the lives that are being lost in Libya or the ones being saved by being taken out of Libya.
... some things/people NEVER change.
M. Falzon
Feb 25th 2011, 10:58
It is true that Malta is the closest European Country to Tripoli, but Crete is closer to Benghazi. Are we the only ones who offered help then?
Sarah Cutajar
Feb 25th 2011, 11:35
.....you and the whole lot you just never change...shame on all of you....
Joe Micallef
Feb 25th 2011, 11:36
Respect yourself and Stop Digging!!
Alex Coppola
Feb 25th 2011, 12:43
What do one expect from Mr. Grima? He was once Minister of Tourism under the Mintoff regime, then chose to oppose Dr. Sant and even conducted discussion programmes on NET TV in favour of the government of the day under Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami and now back to the labour camp and campaigning blindly against anything Dr. Gonzi is performing under the sun. Such persons should always been taken with a pinch of salt. This person reminds me of Dr. Wenzu Mintoff and Dr. Toni Abela.
gcForte
Feb 25th 2011, 12:44
@ All.........Nahseb li jew ma fhimtuhx l-argument ta Joe Grima, jew fhimtuh kif jaqbel lilkhom. L- argument dejjem idur fuq il flus. Taqblu li Gonzi jghamel din il karita kollha minghajr hlas ? IL KARITA TGHAMILHA GHAL FLUS ? L Air Malta qeghed tahdem b`xejn ? Il katamarani b`xejn ukoll ? Allura jekk il gvern qeghed jghamel il karita u fl-istess hin idabbar xi ewro ghal Malta, x`fiha hazin li Joseph jigbed naqra lejn Malta ukoll? Ara ghalina diga hemm sitt pajjizi li suppost parti mill familja tal E.U. li ma iridux jghamlu karita maghna u jiehdu responsabbilta jekk ikolllna influs qawwi ta cittadini mill l-Afrika. Fir ritratt qedin taraw bastiment tal Germanja, wiehed mill pajjizi, li ma iridux il " burden sharing " it tieni. dik li konna insejhula ommna, l-Ingilterra.
Joe Grima
Feb 25th 2011, 15:58
To all PN apologists and spinners. The bottom line for you is that when Joseph Muscat pulls for Malta's national interest he is condemnable under one guise or another. When Gonzi surreptiously does the same under different circumstances, you are out there applauding like Ghaddafi's goons. Give us a break.. We have known you since the fifties and sixties. We know how to interpet your devious ways. So let's let Gonzi continue to coordinate the rescue efforts as he is duty bound to do but dont come and tell us that he is doing it for love or in solidarity. At the end of the day he will be boasting figures and counting cash from,the entire operation. @ EG Forte. They have understood my comment only too well. Remember you are dealing with apologetic, PN spin specialists desperately looking for a future. . @Alex Coppola: I programmed at Net TV because Net invited me to. I distanced from Sant because he was rightist. .I am in consonance with Joseph's LP . At One TV, I produce INKONTRI, one more successful series. I support Joseph because he is the only hope for the future. Now, entertain us with your own achievements.
Joe Micallef
Feb 25th 2011, 16:10
GC forte
Isa tqanzah ftit iehor! Birds of a feather flock together
Anthony Farrugia
Feb 25th 2011, 17:05
@gcforte; the habitual PL/MLP apologist at last makes his voice heard, the only post approving Joe Grima's contribution.
Michael Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 17:34
@ Joe Grima Are you the same Joe Grima that served so loyally under the Gaddafi Human Rights Award winner Mintoff? If so, you have some cheek coming onto this blog and criticising this government. What should we do then Sur Grima? Tell these people 'sorry but due to Malta's political brainwashing, (especially of yesteryear's forgotten and opportunistic politicians like yourself) we will not be accepting any people trying to run away from the actions of that horrible tyrant going by the name of Gaddafi? I am so much happier living under a government that actually cares about people rather than a government (which you formed an active part) whose only interest was self interest. and the interest of those 'ta gewwa'. Thank God both political parties have evolved and the terrible days of your government (that had such a brilliant record, your leader won a prize for human rights and $250.000 from the above mentioned tyrant) are now behind us! Hallina Sur Grima and start to move on with the times, like your party has done!
Maurice Vella
Feb 25th 2011, 18:14
@Joe Grima Incredible - how low can you go? I don't know you from the fifties and sixties but I sure remember you in the eighties! Remember your comment after Black Monday? Yet you have no qualms about writing in this very same newspaper! What did Muscat 'pull' in the National interest? The ridiculously stupid idea of a marketing campaign, that besides being oh so crass would have embarrassed us no end? U hallina trid bil "only hope for the future"
A Sammut
Feb 25th 2011, 20:11
@gc forte ...... le le serrah mohhok kulhadd fehemu sew l-argument ta' Joe Grima .... int biss ma fhimtux sew, jew qed tifhmu kif jaqbel lilek, jew TAPARSI ma fhimtux. Isa isa .... tqanzah ftit iehor .... u lil Grima nghidlu : ahjar ma ktibt xejn illum - ghax qishom ibbumbardjawk ;-) (u bir-ragun)