Updated - Adds government reaction below - PN leader Simon Busuttil this morning expressed his concern on the manner in which the Maltese government was handling the crisis in Libya, remarking that the Opposition was not being briefed about efforts to safeguard Maltese citizens still there.

Addressing the media at the end of visit at the Lija local council, Dr Busuttil questioned the reason why the government had not ordered the evacuation of all Maltese nationals in Libya, in contrast with other countries which had done so weeks ago.

Each time we raise the issue, the foreign minister urges the Opposition not to escalate matters, the PN leader said.

From a wider perspective the Opposition leader called for a more pro-active role of the international community, possibly by sending a UN peacekeeping force. He added that both the Arab League and the EU could contribute to such an initiative.

The Maltese government should be at the forefront of such an effort to bring some order and stability in neighbouring Libya, the PN leader said.

Touching on issues related to local councils Dr Busutitl questioned the future of local governments due to to funding cuts and the proposal to postpone elections.

The PN leader also floated the idea that councils could pocket some of the existing taxes to increase their income and thus have more resources at hand.

GOVERNMENT REACTION

In a reaction, the government said Dr Busuttil was trying to instil doubt and partisan politics in the government's well-planned action to ensure that every Maltese in Libya was safe and able to come home.

The opposition's attitude, headed by Dr Busuttil, was 'negative' when compared to the 'positive work' done by the 2011 opposition which had sought to be of assistance in the nation interest, the government added.