Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi today called for efforts within the UN framework to be doubled to resolve the situation in Syria.
Speaking during the exchange of New Year Greetings with the Diplomatic Corps, the Prime Minister criticised the situation in Syria saying that the evidence of breaches of human rights and flouting of humanitarian law taking place in Syria was overwhelming.
Dr Gonzi reiterated Malta's belief for a two state solution for Israel and Palestine.
On the situation in Libya, he spoke on Malta's humanitarian role during the crisis and said that that the EU now had "a genuinely equal and viable partner" in the Arab world. He praised the Arab league and its role in the Libyan crisis.
Dr Gonzi defended developments in climate change but said "the issue calls for a more urgent and dramatic response than that shown so far".
He expressed support for Croatia's EU accession negotiations and looked forward to welcoming the country as the 28th EU member in 2013.
Apostolic nuncio Tommaso Caputo, who heads the diplomatic corps, thanked Malta for its solidarity, particularly in the humanitarian evacuation exercise from Libya, and described the country as the good Samaritan of the Mediterranean.
The consuls were also welcomed by President George Abela, Opposition leader Joseph Muscat and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.
Both President Abela and Dr Borg also spoke on the situation in the Arab world and Malta's role in last year's events.
President Abela hoped that this year will set the euro on the road to recovery and bring renewed confidence to the eurozone.
However, he was cautious saying that too much optimism would be misplaced and one had to remain on guard.
Dr Muscat agreed that the stability and financial health of the eurozone was of utmost importance to Malta.
The Opposition, he said, was in favour of the fiscal pact but against the proposed financial tax.
Dr Muscat sadi that Malta should continue to participate in organisations such as the 5+5 and a prospective Labour government wouldcontinue to strengthen bonds and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
The PL's key desire for 2012, he said, was stability. Just like the Presidential elections in the US, France and China, Malta would also face its share of choices and that was why the focus on national issues had to continue.
The PL, he said, was is being prudent in the way it was expressing itself and would not play petty politics. It was ready to shoulder responsibility and take decisions.
It would continue to follow the current Euroepan policies but its foreign policy would have a two-pronged approach – European and relations with countries in other continents.
Labour had a very concrete plan which it would present in the coming weeks and months but the national interest would always come first, he said.
In the evening, greetings were also exchanged with consuls.
Dr Borg spoke on the challenges 2011 brought about, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean.
The forecasts for 2012, he said, looked equally testing both from the political and financial and economic perspectives.
"On the political front, we need to act responsibly and be willing to engage in constructive dialogue if we aspire to make progress on politically sensitive issues in politically sensitive areas."
He spoke on the Arab awakening and described how the situation developed in Arab states and Malta's role in developments.
He also spoke on the eurozone crisis and Malta's role in the negotiation of a new treaty following the provision of a bailout for Greece.
The minister also spoke on EU enlargement, the Middle East and relations with other states including the United States, China, Russia and countries in the Gulf region.