The government announced this evening Malta is recognising the National Transitional Council of Libya as the sole legitimate interlocutor of the Libyan people.

In a statement this evening, Prime Minister Larence Gonzi said the government informed the council's chairman and head of International Affairs of the Executive Board of the National Transitional Council of Libya Mahmoud Jibril of Malta's decision yesterday.

Cabinet took the decision on Monday.

Dr Jibril described this decision as a very important step forward which the Libyan people will never forget.

He added that while he hoped that the Maltese government will eventually decide to go for full recognition, this was a development that was very much appreciated.

When asked about reports on Twitter, quoting the Al Jazeera network, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry this morning said:“The information, as reported, is not correct.”

He added that Foreign Minister Tonio Borg will tomorrow give an update of the situation to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

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