The embassy representing Libya’s internationally-recognised government in Malta is insisting it is the sole issuer of valid visas.
Its counterpart in Balzan, representing the self-proclaimed government in Tripoli, said a few days ago it was refusing entry into Libya for those holding a visa obtained from the consulate based in Ta’ Xbiex.
The split in Libya has spilled over to Malta, with the representative of the Tobruk government being forced to work from the consular office in Ta’ Xbiex after the Tripoli representatives refused to leave the embassy in Balzan.
After reportedly being instructed not to issue visas before receiving security clearance, the Tobruk-representative is now urging public and private entities that want to set foot in Libyan territories to go to its consulate in Abate Rigord Street.
“The Embassy of Libya will not acknowledge visas granted by any other entity within Malta. Any recipient of such visa will bear legal responsibility for its invalidity,” it said, adding that it was determined to foster cooperation with the Maltese government.
The consulate in Ta’ Xbiex was the one officially recognised by Malta and the EU recommended its members to avoid direct contact with Tripoli, Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella told this newspaper.
He noted that the government’s travel warning regarding Libya was still valid. However, it could not keep anyone from heading there and, in fact, following the evacuation of many nationals last summer, some decided to return.
Meanwhile, the ministry continues to support the efforts of Bernardino Leon, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, to bring the main actors to the negotiating table. This was reiterated by European embassies contacted by this newspaper.
Working closely with its international partners, the UK continued to support the people of Libya and Mr Leon’s effort to resolve the political crisis and pave the way for peaceful political dialogue, a spokesman for the British High Commission said. “A stable, democratic and prosperous Libya that contributes to stability and security in the region is in all our interests,” he added.
He said the UK did not recognise and had no official contacts with the “government” in Tripoli.
British nationals have been “strongly urged to leave immediately by commercial means.”
A spokesman for the French Embassy said the Libyan embassy in Paris was following the guidelines of the legitimate government of Tobruk. This was also the case in Germany, which had also issued a travel warning for Libya.
US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley said: “While our recognition of the Libyan government remains unchanged, we continue to encourage Libyans to engage in dialogue aimed at producing an inclusive system of government capable of addressing the core needs of the Libyan people, to provide stability and security and to address the ongoing threats posed by violent extremists and terrorists.”