Malta has proposed the setting up of an International Commission for National Reconciliation in Libya.

The proposal was made by Foreign Minister George Vella during meetings of European Union foreign ministers in Milan on Friday and yesterday. They also discussed Ukraine, Syria, Iraq and the Middle East.

Dr Vella insisted that unless Libya was given the attention it deserved, it could turn into another Iraq. He warned against any military intervention, saying the EU’s duty was to help Libya solve its problems. He recommended technical, humanitarian and political assistance and maintaining a dialogue with all factions.

The EU should help control the distribution of arms and ideally work towards the setting up of an International Commission for National Reconciliation, he said, adding the Maltese government recognised the Tobruk government as legitimate but was willing to enter into a dialogue with everyone.

Dr Vella welcomed the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire in Gaza and hoped it would lead to a resumption of the Middle East peace talks. He urged the EU to take a more active role in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.

He expressed concern at the worsening situation in Eastern Ukraine which, he said, did not reflect the promises given by Russia. He said there was an agreement additional sanctions could be imposed.