Tripoli-faction Libyans, protesting against the Malta government’s recognition of their Tobruk-based parliament (December 30), would be well advised to please leave us in peace.

Like many other Arab nations, they tend to blame their shortcomings on the West, even when Europe and the US have tried their best to help them towards the democratic management of their lands.

Their problem, however, lies entirely with them – they are still far away from understanding and implementing liberal democracy, which requires,as a minimum, freedom of speech, equality for women, freedom of religious practice and respect for minorities.

Instead of protesting against Malta, Libyans should, with respect, return to Tripoli to sort out their own problems – which they have aplenty.

A few years ago, soon after Gaddafi’s removal from power, I had to pay several hundred US dollars in bribes to Tripoli-based people in order to be permitted a visa for a few days’ professional private visit to their capital.

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