The US is prepared to help Libya “in any way possible” in its transition to democracy, according to former presidential hopeful and US Senator John McCain.
I will congratulate them on their victory and tell them the US is working... to make sure Libyan assets are freed up
Stopping in Malta on his way to Libya, Mr McCain yesterday told The Times that in a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi the two sides discussed ways in which the two countries could “work cooperatively” to help Libya.
He said Malta’s assistance to injured Libyans was “a sign of humanity and concern” and the US wanted to help out in these efforts.
Senator McCain, on his second visit in almost three years, was heading a delegation that included senators Lindsey Graham, Mark Kirk and Marco Rubio.
After visiting St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, he said he would tell the Libyan government and people that the US was prepared to assist “in any way possible” as they go down the path of democracy.
“I will congratulate them on their victory and tell them the US is working as hard as it can to make sure Libyan assets are freed up to ensure sufficient funds are available for the authorities to carry out their governmental functions,” he said.
Asked whether he saw any risks in the new Libya, Senator McCain simply said that he was “very optimistic”.
In their meeting with Dr Gonzi the senators thanked Malta for her role in the Libyan uprising, including assistance given for the evacuation of American workers.
Malta helped evacuate thousands of foreign nationals stranded in Libya when the conflict erupted in February including 260 US citizens – 215were evacuated by sea and 45 by air.
Mr McCain was among the most forceful American politicians to call on the Obama administration to back the Libyan rebels, soon after the uprising started.
The former presidential candidate last visited Malta in December 2008 on his way back from Afghanistan. He had discussed US-Malta relations and the situation in the Mediterranean.Mr McCain serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Health, Education, Labour, and Pensions; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Indian Affairs.
The US delegation is expected to leave Malta this morning.