Government recognises Libyan rebel council

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday spoke to Dr Mahmoud Jibril, Chairman and Head of International Affairs of the executive board of the National Transitional Council of Libya.

In a statement, the government said Gonzi had informed Dr Jibril of the decision taken by Cabinet on Monday 30 May 2011 to the effect that the Maltese government considers the Transitional National Council as the sole legitimate interlocutor of the Libyan people.

“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,” the government said. 

Abdel Rahman Shalgam, Libya’s defected ambassador to the United Nations and today a senior representative of the Benghazi-based Transitional Council held meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at Castille on May 25.

 It was the first time since the beginning of the uprising in Libya, that the Maltese government officially be engaged in talks with the Transitional Council.

In his meeting Shalgam thanked Malta for the support shown towards the Libyan people. “We are grateful for what you have done and we will build our future together. We need you and your skills and we are proud of our friendship,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated Malta’s call that Gaddafi must step down and allow a peaceful transition, adding that Malta had done its utmost in terms of humanitarian assistance and imposed the sanctions as mandated by the UN.

Last March, Libya’s rebel council had made formal contact with the Maltese government through a note verbale sent via a representative within the Arab League, committing itself to “honour and respect all international and regional agreements signed by the former Libyan government.”