'We will not be idle if faced by genocide'-- Request for jet fighters return made by Libyan PM

Malta will not remain idle if faced by a genocide in Libya, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening.

Asked if Malta was prepared to play a part if a genocide took place in Libya, Dr Gonzi said on Bondi Plus that Malta would not be idle in the face of genocide.

"We respect human dignity and fundamental human rights. We hold neutrality dear, but that does not mean being neutralised, especially if there are circumstances such as a genocide," Dr Gonzi said..

"In such circumstances we have a role to play and I am sure the people would shoulder such responsibilities to protect people's lives," Dr Gonzi said.

Dr Gonzi also revealed that it was the Libyan prime minister personally who had requested the return of the two Libyan Mirage F1 fighters flown to Malta by defecting pilots. Malta has refused the request and the jet fighters are still in Malta. However the situation had been worrying, Dr Gonzi said, since the request was made at a time when an Air Malta aircraft full of passengers was on the tarmac at Tripoli airport.

The prime minister said that pilots' claim that they had flown to Malta after having been ordered to bomb Benghazi had credence as it has been confirmed that the jet fighters' guns had not been fired.

Dr Gonzi said he, on behalf of the people, appreciated the gratitude expressed in the House of Commons earlier today by British Prime Minister David Cameron.

The prime minister said he had set up a core group to coordinate Malta's role as a logistical centre to send international humanitarian aid to Libya.