Malta continued to fully support a lasting solution to the situation in Libya on the basis of the UN action plan, Foreign Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela told his Libyan Government of National Accord counterpart Mohammed Taher Siala.

The ministers met on the margins of the 73rd UN General Assembly (Unga) in New York.

Mr Abela said the overarching baseline for a solution in Libya was full commitment by Libyans and the international community to an inclusive political process and the renunciation of the military track.

He said Malta welcomed the adoption of the ceasefire that was brokered by the UN secretary-general’s special representative to Libya, Ghassan Salamé on September 4.

It remained imperative that the parties concerned respected the ceasefire to ensure that the indiscriminate use of violence came to an end. This would ensure that security and stability were reinstated for the benefit of the country and its people, as well as the whole Mediterranean basin.

On the political front, Malta believed that inclusive, free and fair elections should only be held once the required legal framework was in place.

This would ensure that the outcome of the elections would be acceptable to all in Libya, thereby establishing a sound basis for the future. Accordingly, Malta emphasised the need for a Constitution before the elections. Security on the ground during the elections would also be essential.

Also on the fringes of Unga, Malta established diplomatic relations with the Federated States of Micronesia.

“Despite the geographical distance, we are two small island states sharing similar interests such as maritime affairs and the impact of climate change,” Mr Abela said during a meeting with his Micronesian counterpart.