Malta offers to help during Libya’s elections

Addressing the Foreign Affairs Committee this evening, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said Libya is expected to hold its first democratic election in eight or 10 months' time, while Malta has offered its assistance to help and monitor the general elections.

"We are offering our help for the elections, and the Chief Electoral Commissioner has also expressed the wish for us to be present," Borg said.

Speaking on the new governments of Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, Borg said it is true they have an Islamic footprint, but it does not mean they are less democratic. "We would be wrong in condemning a government because of its religion. As long as it is democratic, it is a huge step forward to the peace of a country."

He added the important thing is for state and religion to be independent of each other and respect human rights.

Borg said Libya's challenge lies in forming a government which served all of the Libyans' needs, adding it's already a significant step forward that the Health Minister is a woman.

Explaining the outcome of the Maltese government's recent visit to Libya, Borg said the Libyan government was disappointed the United Nations is taking so long and setting conditions to unfreeze its assets.

"We have already written to the sanctions committee of the UN to speed up the process. Libya needs its assets, not only the money, to function properly and start rebuilding the country," he said, adding they need to set structures.

Borg said it is important Libya doesn't run out of money as it might turn to Iran for money, which would be obviously be given with certain conditions.

On illegal immigration, Borg said the Libyans made it clear that Muammar Gaddafi had used the issue as a political leverage, and had been involved both directly and indirectly in the departure of illegal immigrants from the country.

"The interim government is doing all it can to stop others from fleeing Libya. But they need help. Our consolation is that illegal immigration will not be used as a political stick. But on their own, they still will not be able to control all borders," Borg said, adding Libya has 2,000 km of coast and 7,000 km of frontiers.

He added that a European team, including a Maltese colonel, will help in the surveillance of Libya's borders.

Malta has also offered the country four scholarships for the training of Libyan officials in search and rescue, and intends to offer more scholarships in ITS and International Relations.

Borg said his analysis of the new government is that it is made up highly qualified people, with experience and global vision: "They could have stayed abroad, earning good money but instead chose to serve their country."

On Air Malta's resumption of flights, Borg said Malta waited until it received a technical certificate confirming that Tripoli was a safe airport from where to operate. The same is being done with Benghazi: Air Malta will serve to and fro Benghazi once it is clear the airport is safe.

The Maltese liaison office in Benghazi will also be upgraded to a consulate.