National Security Minister Carmelo Abela has confirmed that the government does not intend deploying Maltese soldiers in a UN-mandated mission in Libya even if it is a peacekeeping operation.

In any case, Mr Abela added, such a mission does not seem to be on the cards at the moment.

“The Prime Minister has already said we will participate in a UN-mandated mission but that this does not necessarily mean through the presence of Maltese soldiers on the ground,” he said.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Malta was not in a position to send soldiers because it does not have the capability and assets to contribute troops.

This view was not shared by senior army officers, including two retired commanders, who insisted that Malta’s army is fully capable and has the capacity to contribute troops in such a military operation. 

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