Malta can be used as a base by “Gaddafi thugs” to destabilise Libya and escape justice, according to the country’s transitional council Prime Minister, Mahmoud Jibril.
Security topped the agenda of Dr Jibril’s meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday during a brief stopover in Malta after attending the Paris Friends of Libya summit.
“We need to secure the borders of the revolution and it is no coincidence that my first stop is in Malta,” Dr Jibril said in a press conference with Dr Gonzi at Auberge de Castille, where there was heavy police security.
Asked whether the National Transitional Council feared that Malta could be used as an exit route for Gaddafi loyalists, Dr Jibril answered with a straight “yes”.
He said Malta, like other Libyan neighbours, could be used as a base for ex-regime functionaries to escape justice or serve as a launch pad for actions that could destabilise Libya. Libya’s national security could not be isolated from Malta’s, he said.
Dr Gonzi made it “absolutely clear” that Malta had no intention of protecting anyone escaping justice. “This is a country governed by the rule of law and it will be applied,” he said.
Earlier, at the start of round table talks at which journalists were only present for five minutes, Dr Jibril said the NTC feared that “Gaddafi thugs” could try to use the illegal immigration channels to escape justice in Libya.
Asked about the extension of the ultimatum given to Gaddafi loyalists to lay down their arms in areas like Sirte, Dr Jibril said the extension was intended to give “a fair chance” to the negotiating process in the hope it would succeed and avoid further bloodshed. “However, if this period is exploited by (Muammar) Gaddafi to mobilise his troops, the commitment can be revoked at any time,” he said.
Speaking about the NTC’s commitment to build democratic institutions in Libya that were completely dismantled in four-decades of Gaddafi rule, Dr Jibril said starting from scratch was difficult but not impossible. “The Libyan people managed to topple the regime... and they are determined to start the democratic process,” he said.
Apart from security, Dr Jibril said his visit was intended to show appreciation for Malta’s support. When signing the guest book just before entering the talks, he wrote in English: “It is really a great honour to come to this friendly ally to express thanks and gratitude for the Maltese government and people for all the support they provided to our people in Libya during the historic uprising.”
Dr Jibril said the Libyan people’s cause was a just one and the Maltese were among the first to recognise it.
Dr Gonzi reiterated Malta’s commitment to do all it could as a logistical base for humanitarian aid that was urgently required in Libya.
He said the reactivation of the Malta-Libya joint commission was also on the agenda and this would serve as a forum where bilateral issues were discussed. A new page was being written in relations between Malta and Libya.
Dr Gonzi reiterated Malta’s efforts to secure the early release of Libyan assets that could be used for humanitarian reasons and to bring about stability and order in Libya as indicated by the NTC.
He said the talks also focused on education, tourism and business. He announced that Finance Minister Tonio Fenech – who attended the meeting – would shortly lead a trade delegation to Libya.
When Dr Jibril arrived at Castille, where the Libyan independence flag flew alongside that of Malta, a small crowd of tourists applauded him as he shook hands with Dr Gonzi.
In the crowd was Mohammed Baig, a 23-year-old Libyan who has been living and working in Malta for four years. He was in Valletta having a coffee with a friend and was not aware of Dr Jibril’s visit when he stopped in front of Auberge de Castille after seeing the new Libyan flag.
Mr Baig was hopeful that the situation in his country would improve.
As Libya’s immediate future hangs in the balance, Mr Baig believes Libya will be different from the bloody aftermath in Afghanistan and Iraq. “It won’t be the same because there won’t be foreign troops on the ground. Instead, there will be companies looking to make money... and as long as Libyans are able to find work then I’m OK with that,” he said.
Dr Jibril was invited for dinner with the Prime Minister and was expected to leave Malta last night.
Additional reporting by Matthew Bonanno.