Malta’s role in an international operation to remove dangerous industrial chemicals in Libya was restricted to the transfer of a few sealed samples from ships to aircraft, the Foreign Ministry said this afternoon.

Reacting to media reports, the ministry explained that Malta was obliged to take part in the operation as a member of the Organisation for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons and also as a country with an interest in ensuring that such materials did not end up in the hands of extremists.

None of the tons of chemicals involved passed through Malta. The material was safely destroyed in other European countries.

However Malta received 50 sealed 10ml samples which were carried from Libya on ships and, on arrival here, were transported to the airport, where they were immediately taken to other countries for testing.

Malta also provided medical facilities which could have been used by officials who, remotely, may have been affected during the transport of the material in Libya.

No material was disposed of in the sea.

The ministry said that it had worked hand-in-hand with experts from Denmark, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the United States.