All Maltese MEPs yesterday backed a resolution overwhelmingly supported by the European Parliament calling on Muammar Gaddafi to step down and supporting the possibility of a UN-backed no-fly zone.

The vote of Labour’s three MEPs in Strasbourg in favour of the resolution condemning the Libyan regime and in support of the controversial no-fly zone marks a shift over the cautious stand taken so far by the Labour Party in Malta.

While Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has gone on record stating the end of Col Gaddafi’s leadership was “inevitable”, Labour opted for a more diplomatic approach and has so far not been as forthright.

Labour’s John Attard Montalto, Louis Grech and Edward Scicluna backed the stand taken by their Socialist MEP colleagues in Strasbourg declaring the need to end the Gaddafi regime and in favour of the possibility of military action through a no-fly zone, if endorsed by the UN.

Asked to give the party’s position on a possible no-fly zone, a PL spokesman in Malta said: “There is consensus that Malta should not be used as a military base. Our position is that Malta should abide by UN resolutions.”

The Office of the Prime Minister also remained non-committal on a no-fly zone.

In its resolution, adopted by 584 votes in favour, 18 against and 18 abstentions, the EP stressed the EU and its member states must honour their responsibility to save Libyan civilians from large-scale armed attacks. The resolution points out “that no option provided for in the UN Charter can therefore be ruled out.”

MEPs called on the EU’s High Representative and the 27 member states “to stand ready for a UN Security Council decision on further measures, including the possibility of a no-fly zone aimed at preventing the regime from targeting the civilian population.”

They emphasise that any measures by the EU and its member states should be in compliance with a UN mandate and be based on coordination with the Arab League and the African Union, encouraging both organisations to steer international efforts.

MEPs also called for an immediate end to the brutal dictatorial regime of Col Gaddafi and “called on him to stand down immediately in order to prevent further bloodshed and to allow a peaceful political transition to take place”.

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