The Maltese government has not reacted yet to a note verbale sent by the Libyan provisional national council seeking diplomatic recognition.

The note verbale was sent to several countries, along with a promise that existing agreements with the Libyan government would be respected.

A similar appeal was made to the European Union as a whole.

France has, so farm been the only country to recognise the council as the only representative of the Libyan people.

Mahmud Gebril, 58, Libya's former planning minister and a founding member of the provisional national council, said in comments to the EU that "recognising an alternative, legitimate body, where a national consensus was gained for that body, is the most effective political reaction the EU can take."

He said their "number one" political demand was joined by pleas for economic, humanitarian and medical aid as well as military support.

Calling for "military assistance without direct military intervention," Gebril said: "Empowering the people to continue their armed struggles against Gaddafi can be done by different means."

Malta is insisting that it will not take part in any military activity but is prepared to offer logistical assistance for humanitarian air to Libya.