The US Embassy in a single line statement this morning reiterated the Maltese government's statement categorically denying claims that there are US troops in Malta.

The government's statement was issued two days ago after former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney said in a blog that "12,000 U.S. troops (are) stationed in Malta and they are about to make their descent into Libya".

Cynthia McKinney, a peace activist and a US Presidential nominee for the Green Party, made the statement on her blog http://allthingscynthiamckinney.posterous.com under the headline: Why Is President Obama Sending 12,000 US Troops To Libya?

She said she received the information from foreign media publications and "Libyan sources" but later added that she hoped it was wrong.

"The allegations are completely false," the government had said in its statement.

Ms McKinney has opposed the US's military intervention in Libya and has accused Nato and her country of trying to assassinate Muammar Gaddafi.