Libya’s request to swap three Dutch soldiers it held in return for the two fighter jets flown by defectors to Malta was rejected by the Prime Minister who negotiated a delicate agreement with the authorities in Tripoli to secure the release
Lawrence Gonzi said Malta had been instrumental in the release of the Dutch soldiers – two men and a woman – and was involved in delicate negotiations, adding he was very satisfied they were returning home safely.
The island was on everybody’s lips during the EU extraordinary summit on Libya held in Brussels yesterday when the news emerged and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte personally thanked Dr Gonzi for his intervention.
Mr Rutte told the international press his government was very glad the soldiers, who were captured while on a mission in Sirte on February 27, had been released at 3 a.m. yesterday and handed over to Maltese and Greek diplomats at Tripoli airport.
“Sixteen million Dutch are looking forward to welcome them back home. I am grateful for the good offices of Malta and Greece that helped secure their release,” he said.
The first reports of what had actually taken place behind the scenes to secure the release of the three helicopter crew started emerging yesterday morning through unofficial briefings given by Maltese, Greek and Dutch diplomats at the summit.
The information indicated that, over the past week, the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi had been using the three soldiers to pressure Malta into releasing the two Mirage fighter jets. This was confirmed by Dr Gonzi who said Libya had wanted to exchange the soldiers for the planes. However, he said Malta resisted the proposal and instead managed to successfully negotiate their unconditional release.
This is a step by step account of what happened according to Malta, the Dutch and Greek diplomats:
Tuesday, afternoon. Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Bagdadi calls Dr Gonzi to brief him about the unfolding events in Libya. During the conversation Dr Gonzi insists on the need for the Libyan authorities to stop the violence and proposes Libya releases the three Dutch soldiers as a sign of goodwill.
Dr Bagdadi says he would see how he can help on the issue but tells Dr Gonzi it would be easier if Malta could arrange an exchange with the two fighter planes held on the island. Dr Gonzi replies this is unacceptable and that Libya should release the soldiers without any conditions.
6 p.m. Malta’s Foreign Office contacts the Dutch authorities to discuss the latest developments. Malta keeps contact with Libyan diplomats over the issue.
Wednesday, 7 a.m. Libya informs Malta it wishes to send an envoy of Muammar Gaddafi to meet Dr Gonzi. Malta gives the green light.
Late morning. Mohamed Tahir Siala meets Dr Gonzi at Castille. Dr Siala, who also used to work in Malta at the Libyan Arab Foreign Investment Company (Lafico) asks Dr Gonzi for help. He gives the impression Libya wants some form of mediation role from Malta, especially with the EU.
There is no direct mention on the proposal made by the Libyan Prime Minister to swap the two fighter jets with the Dutch crew. Dr Gonzi insists a solution on their release has to be found and tells Dr Siala no mediation can take place until the violence in Libya stops and Col Gaddafi listens to his people.
Afternoon. Dr Siala leaves Malta for Lisbon to meet members of the Portuguese government and then returns to Tripoli.
Thursday, 9 a.m. Senior Libyan diplomats contact the Maltese Foreign Office and say the three Dutch soldiers will only be released if Malta returns the two military planes.
10 a.m. Maltese and Dutch foreign offices hold talks.
Thursday, 3.30 p.m. Dr Gonzi boards a private plane to Brussels. He is informed Libya is expecting a final reply on its proposal. He instructs the Foreign Affairs Ministry to tell the Libyans Malta has no intention to release the Mirages until the EU sanctions on Libya are lifted. He also appeals to the Libyan authorities to unconditionally release the three Dutch soldiers.
7.30 p.m. Dr Gonzi heads to the European Commission headquarters to meet Commission president José Manuel Barroso. The two discuss the unfolding situation in Libya and the latest development regarding the Dutch soldiers.
9 p.m. The Libyan authorities inform Malta’s Foreign Office they will be releasing the Dutch soldiers to Maltese and Greek diplomatic officials in Tripoli. Libya stops insisting on the jets’ return. Dr Gonzi is informed and instructs the Malta Embassy in Tripoli to make the necessary arrangements.
9.15 p.m. Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg breaks the news to his Dutch counterpart.
11.30 p.m. A senior Maltese diplomat in Libya arrives at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport to assist in the soldiers’ release.
11.45 p.m. A C-130 Greek military plane lands at Mitiga airport to take the three soldiers to Athens. Greek Deputy Foreign Minister aboard the plane is greeted by a Maltese diplomat.
Friday, 2.45 a.m. The Dutch soldiers are brought to Mitiga airport by the Libyan military. The Dutch Ambassador signs an agreement with the Libyan officials on their release. The Maltese diplomat assists in this exchange and accompanies the three soldiers on to the military plane to Athens.
3 a.m. Dr Gonzi is informed through the Malta Embassy in Tripoli the three Dutch soldiers had just left Libya and were safe.