The government is keen to see negotiations with the different factions in Libya progress in the right direction with a view to arriving at a comprehensive solution, EU Minister Louis Grech told Libya’s deputy prime minister Abdussalam M.A. El Badri in a meeting today.

He observed that a comprehensive settlement of differences was important for Libyans, security in the Mediterranean and in the wider community.

The two deputy prime ministers agreed that terrorism was a world issue and that the situation in Libya required the active and effective participation of Europe and the United Nations.

Mr El Badri said it was necessary to address the human tragedy at its source, in the transit countries and at the destination. Mr Grech added that one also needed a comprehensive action plan that covered the short, medium and long term goals.  The latter could include a sort of Marshall Plan to lift impoverished countries out of their situation.

Libya, he said, could make its voice heard and clarify its position on a number of issues during the Valletta Conference taking place later on this year.

Mr Grech pledged support to Libya for a rapid, comprehensive and lasting solution. He assured Mr El Badri that Malta would continue working in the European fora with this in mind.