Libyan jet's roundels changed in poignant ceremony
A Libyan Air Force Mirage F1 fighter jet had its all-green roundel replaced by the new Libyan colours this morning amid applause at Malta International Airport, where the jet is on static display as part of the Malta Airshow.
The poignant ceremony was carried out by Libyan Air Force Brigadier General Mohammed Rajab amid applause, victory signs and chants of Allah Hu Akbar. The Libyan ambassador was also present.
The Mirage was one of a pair which were flown to Malta in February when their pilots refused Gaddafi government orders to bomb civilians near Benghazi. The pilots returned to Libya last week and received a heroes' welcome.
The jets cannot be returned to Libya yet, because of UN sanctions.
Brig Rajab came to Malta on an Air Libya BAe 146 which at the height of the Libyan uprising was used in 32 covert flights, landing on roads in the middle of the desert to supply arms and ammunition to the rebels and then fly out with injured fighters.
The highly-dangerous operations were carried out despite a UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya.
"We did these flights without even thinking of the dangers," said Capt Ali Samoussi, who piloted the aircraft. He said that his son was co-pilot on some of the flights but he told his wife "It's either us or Gaddafi".
Capt Samoussi and other Libyan officers repeatedly thanked Malta for its support to Libya.
A plaque was presented to the Malta Aviation Society, which organises the airshow.
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Alfred Falzon
Sep 25th 2011, 22:39
@ Joe Galea
Before rushing to wrongly accuse me of failing to express solidarity with the Syrian pro-democracy protesters because "they happen to be not my brothers and there's no catch" (to quote you verbatim) I invite you to refer to ToM news link of Friday, 23rd September 2011, entitled "Updated: Syrian Community protests" in which features a comment I posted on the same date at 17:18!
Now, if you are a gentleman and harbour no ulterior motives, you should make an apology or at least acknowledge that what you said about me is unfair and downright misleading!
I am a brother to anyone who suffers injustice, who has to struggle for his /her rights against all odds and stand foursquare with him/her just like most of my fellow countrymen are doing today in the case of Libya!
And Syria is no exception as already expressed in my comments of Friday 23rd September!
Victor Vella
Sep 25th 2011, 21:01
Is this a joke? hy did it need 5 men to change a sticker? I was reminded of Fredu il Lajburist charachter who said the you need 45 majors to change a light bulb, this is worse lol
Adrian Barnes
Sep 27th 2011, 20:47
YOU are the joke!
Joseph Sammut
Sep 25th 2011, 20:45
This ceremony should not have taken place in a non-political event.
Mr Richard Caruana
Sep 26th 2011, 08:11
Stop moaning; we're making history!
Alfred Falzon
Sep 26th 2011, 08:21
@ Joseph Sammut
@ Joseph Sammut
It was a most fitting occasion for MALTA to pay tribute to the two heroic Libyan pilots who risked their life and that of their families by refusing to carry out orders from GANGSTER Khadafi and his armed forces and indiscriminately bomb their own countrymen (unarmed civilians) who stood up against the rapist and murderous tyrant and his corrupt clan!
May they serve as a role model to other airmen whose loyalty should be to the people and NOT TO ODIOUS REGIMES with heartless rulers bent on butchering their people just to wield power and strut around like peacocks and Mafia-style godfathers at the expense of their oppressed people!
Mr Mark Vella Bardon
Sep 26th 2011, 08:28
The aircraft were simply attending the Air Show together with those of other nations ... until somebody noticed that they had the wrong markings ! :)
It was however an opportunity to salute the Libyan people for their courage and self sacrifice, nothing political there!
Joseph Sammut
Sep 26th 2011, 11:05
I am all for the ceremony, but not during a public event.
Mr Stephen Borg
Sep 25th 2011, 20:25
The Libyan people set an example to the whole world that where there is a will there is a way. Gaddafi threw all he had in his arsenal against them and yet they fought and they succeeded. Now many will say that NATO did the whole job and in no way am I saying that NATO did not have an important role but all the dirty ground work was done by all the Libyan people in favor of freedom.
Alfred Falzon
Sep 25th 2011, 14:19
As a Maltese it gives me great pleasure to see Malta's relations with the fledgling new Libya developing so fast to the credit of both Governments and peoples!
Malta, a democracy, Libya a promising democracy, a Phoenix rising from its ashes, which will hopefully serve as a beacon of light and freedom for the rest of the Arab world!
We are proud to be neighbours, and FRIENDS IN NEED and in DEED!!
Free Libyans you are always most welcome among us!
Joe Galea
Sep 25th 2011, 17:27
I urge you to take a look at the following news link from TOM and post a similar heartfelt comment .I assume that you are not aware of what's going ,or else maybe you're of the opinion that they are not your brothers and there's no catch.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110924/local/Syrian-community-protests-against-murderous-regime.386063
Carmel Cilia
Sep 26th 2011, 06:08
Blood brothers mr Falzon how things change earlier on in the century when they fought off the despotic rule of King Idris and the English yoke then they were tal-Habbaziez now they have become blood brothers. Chamaleonte: do you know what that is: you might have a look at the mirror my friend.
Mr M Cachia
Sep 26th 2011, 08:52
Despotic rule of King Idris! Get your facts straight and talk to some Libyans. If the man was a despot how come he still has a substantial number of followers in lIbya today - over 40 years after he was dethroned?
Alfred Falzon
Sep 26th 2011, 09:58
@ Joe Cilia
Is your comment really addressed to me?
Whoever spoke of blood brothers must be a figment of your twisted imagination!
Read well and please do not misinterpret the term "neighbours" with "blood brothers" if you know its true meaning!
Are you calling me a "chameleon"? Can you substantiate your insult?!
Such vile remarks are hollow and a shame to the one who makes them, if they were intended for me or have you mistaken the name?!
I expect an answer from you, if you believe in fair and impartial criticism!
And in what mirror must I take a look? In Khadafi stooge KMB's mirror reflecting his antics yesterday on Smash TV?!
Alfred Falzon
Sep 26th 2011, 10:09
@ Joe Galea
I have already posted my comments re the Syrian Uprising and you are kindly invited to view TOM news link entitled "Updated: Syrian Community protests" of last Friday 23rd September, at 17:18.
So please don't jump to conclusions and acknowledge that your comment was not all that fair as far as I am concerned!
Charles Sammut
Sep 25th 2011, 13:11
The patriotism of these people is inspiring. May they make good use of their newly found freedom for ever.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Sep 25th 2011, 19:17
True, may they enjoy their country and just come here for paid holidays and to do business.