The Foreign Ministry this morning announced helplines for Maltese who may be trapped in Libya and need assistance.
Ministry officials can be contacted as follows:
Skype - helplinemfa
Emergency e-mail address - crisis.mfa@gov.mt
Phone (when calling from abroad) - 2204 2200
Freephone 80072203 (when calling from Malta)
Foreign Minister George Vella said his ministry had set up a crisis centre to keep contact with Maltese in Libya but he cautioned against undue alarm.
He said that although the situation in Libya had deteriorated with the closure of Tripoli airport on Sunday, a meeting of EU heads of mission yesterday advised there was no immediate need to evacuate people.
“We have to tread a fine line because if Malta orders an evacuation it could easily create a snowball effect with other countries following suit.”
Dr Vella said the crisis centre is contacting all Maltese known to be in Libya to determine their needs and provide them with a contact point if required.
He said contact was established with 156 people while attempts were being made to contact another 40. More than 60 individuals on the ministry’s list were no longer based in Libya or had left the country via Tunisia.
“I am not trying to minimise the danger but from the feedback we were given by the Maltese on the ground and other information gathered through various channels, the situation is not as dramatic as it may seem,” Dr Vella said. However, he insisted the situation in Libya remained tense and uncertain.
He confirmed that Maltese ambassador to Libya Mannie Galea was still in Malta. He came here for an ambassadors’ meeting last week and had been unable to return. His second in command is also in Malta since she was on leave.
“It is unfortunate that the ambassador could not return to Tripoli because the airspace was closed but he was present at the crisis centre to answer any queries,” Dr Vella said. The ambassador is expected to return to Libya at the first opportunity to do so, he added.
The Maltese embassy in Tripoli is still operational with two Maltese members of staff. Opening times have varied because of security concerns.
Earlier today Dr Vella also also announced he has nominated Ambassador Joe Mangion as his envoy to coordinate Malta’s efforts with those of the international community regarding the evolving situation in Libya.
"By means of appointment, Malta will be engaging actively with other countries in paving the way for inclusive national dialogue and democratic reform," the Foreign Ministry said.
The appointment was made at the request of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Mangion served in Malta’s missions in the Arab world and in particular Libya, for a number of years and is presently an advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
"The Government of Malta continues to follow developments in Libya very closely, particularly in light of the deteriorating security situation over the past weeks. It stands ready to cooperate with Libyan authorities and the other regional and international actors to ensure an expedited return to stability in the country," the ministry said.
MALTA APPEALS TO PARTIES INVOLVED TO LAY DOWN ARMS
Expressing its deepest concern on the latest developments in Libya, the Maltese government appealed to all parties involved in the fighting to avoid further conflict, lay down their arms and seek a meaningful and constructive political dialogue.
In a statement it said that as a friendly and neighbourly country, Malta reaffirmed its support and encouragement to all efforts directed towards the democratic process in Libya that could eventually lead to good governance, the rule of law, and the respect for human rights.
“Malta appeals to the international community, particularly those countries and institutions that have a direct interest in the region, to seek all avenues that bring about a complete halt to the violence that is now putting at risk so many civilian lives.
“Malta as always is fully committed to assist the friendly Libyan people to implement all necessary reforms in their country and participate in all initiatives taken by the international community that will eventually lead to democratic dialogue and bring an end to the crisis,” the government said.