I refer to the article Libya Uprising. Malta “Exported” €79m In Small Arms To Libya (February 23).

According to the version reported in the article, the small arms exported to Libya, worth €79,689,691 (the amount corresponding to the four licences released by the Maltese government) belonged to an Italian licensed company.

We have looked thoroughly into the matter.

In 2009, Italy exported small arms to Libya (pistols, rifles, including hunting rifles) for around €8 million. There have been no other small arms exports towards Libya authorised by the Italian authorities between 2008 and 2010 (except for a small sale of €3,000). No small arms, in the same period, have been sold to Malta from Italy, except for a very minor operation.

The amount of €79,689,691 does not refer to any operation involving the Italian authorities.

I would like to stress that the Italian legislation for the sale of small arms and weapons is a very strict one.

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