Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this evening reiterated Malta's readiness to participate in the 'new beginning' which the Libyan people are experiencing.

Dr Gonzi spoke in Paris at the Friends of Libya conference, convened by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Dr Gonzi said that Malta supported and backed the three priorities which the leadership of the Libyan National Transitional Council had laid out, which were the establishment of security and stability, the process of national reconciliation and the building of the democratic institutions.

Dr Gonzi also emphasised to the conference participants the need for Libya to be given urgent humanitarian aid so that the current delicate process of transition could be successfully achieved as soon as possible.

In this context, Dr Gonzi said the United Nations needed to act fast to release frozen Libyan government assets so that they could be used by the new Libyan administration in the interests of the people.

Dr Gonzi said that Malta remained ready to help in any way it could for the provision of humanitarian aid, particularly water and medicine .

In a comment after the meeting, Dr Gonzi said the representatives of more than 50 countries who were present for the conference were united in solidarity with Libya in this new beginning for the Libyan people.