In an interview with Malta Independent newspaper, Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg said he didn’t think Malta’s position is far from whoever says that there are non-safe aspects about Libya for immigration, adding that the capital closest to them, geographically, is Tripoli, more so than Rome.
“We were born here, in Malta. We are close to Libya and one tries to have the best relationship with their neighbours.” Borg added.
He said their government does well to continue strengthening its relationship with whoever could contribute for Libya to be stable.
“There is no political stability in Libya. In fact there is a transitional government. But is it wise to create another transitional government? We need to push this current government that was trusted by the international community to go for an election that was meant to have been held over a year ago. That is what we are insisting, but in the meantime we cannot not cooperate.” Borg explained.
“We are not suggesting that another government comes in and leads Libya. We want the Libyans to agree on a Constitution, agree on the political project they want to move forward on, and after doing so, head for an election.” He further explained.
Borg said that the problem in Libya is that it is an enormous country and has a wealth of resources and so there are countries and businesses that have an interest in what happens in Libya.
“Libyans respect us not only because we are their neighbours, but because they know we are not the type to tell them what to do. We do not interfere in their democratic process, who they give contracts for oil or construction to.” He said, adding that Malta is working with the UN Secretary General and also with the UN Special Representative of Libya Abdoulaye Bathily to encourage the Libyans to hold elections.