Maltese businessmen with interests in Libya have been glued to their television screens, hopeful that with the end of the conflict in sight, their lives may one day return to normal.
Although some businesses have remained open in the past six months, others were forced to a complete standstill. This prompted some idle business leaders to use their skills for a good cause.
Malta delivered more than €23 million and 75,000 tonnes worth of aid to Libya throughout the conflict, according to businessman Mario Debono.
Together with other business leaders, he set up the foundation Igo-Aid at the beginning of the conflict, which collected and sent food, medical and other supplies to the worst-hit areas, particularly Misurata.
“Around 20 per cent of the donations came from Malta,” he said, pointing out that help was also sought from international donors.
Speaking to The Times yesterday, Mr Debono appealed for more donations.
“We need to get Libya back on its feet and rebuild the economy. For now, that needs to be done through donations. We will talk about business later,” he said.
Mr Debono lost his business in the conflict but is confident that with the fall of the Gaddafi regime, Malta’s relationship with Libya will become more “brotherly”, even though things will remain chaotic for the time being.
“Malta can help Libyans achieve their democratic dream and we should help them foster civil society.”
Saint James Hospital, which remained operational over the past six months, said the group was following developments “extremely closely”.
“Our concern at this stage is for the safety of the people – on both sides – and our wish is that the situation will be resolved with no more loss of human life so that the country can be rebuilt and life not only returns to normal but progresses on all fronts within the shortest time possible,” a spokesman for the company said.
“Our intention is most definitely to continue operating in Libya. When the crisis started we were actively exploring the possibility of a joint venture in Benghazi and we were in the process of expanding our operations in Tripoli. We would like to resume working in these directions as soon as possible.”
Not every company was keen to express their stand yet and Corinthia Group said when contacted that it did not want to comment until a clearer picture emerged and stability was established.
Corinthia Group, which has some of the largest investments in Libya, including the brand new Palm City, is expected to issue a statement to its investors today, giving an update on the situation.
Their spokesman said: “At this stage, we prefer not to comment.”