Opposition leader in Libya to ‘strengthen’ relations between the countries

Opposition leader Jospeh Muscat this morning said that the Labour delegation in Libya was proving to be successful, adding that they are being welcomed wholeheartedly by the Libyan people.

"The propaganda of the Nationalist Party media had tried to insinuate hat there were problems between the new Libya and the Labour Party. This is absolutely not true. This morning we arrived in Misurata where they welcomed us with enthusias," Muscat told One Radio from Misurata.

He added that the Labour delegation will also visit Benghazi: "We are not here just for an institutional visit, but we want to strengthen the relations between both countries."

Muscat said he encouraged the National Transitional Council in Misurata to give all the assistance a Maltese trade delegation, organised by government, would need next week. The 300-strong delegation will leave tomorrow to Libya. According to Labour MP Leo Brincat, the delegation is to focus on maritime affairs.

The Labour delegation is made up of Labour MPs Karmenu Vella, Michael Farrugia, Noel Farrugia and former foreign minister Alex Sciberras Trigona.

Yesterday evening, Muscat also met the President of the NTC Moustafa Abdul Jalil in Tripoli. The meeting took place on invitation of the Libyan authorities.

During the meeting Muscat insisted that the Labour Party is committed to see better relations between Malta and Libya. He said that the friendship between the two people should be given priority, which in turn would eventually open the doors for other things, including business.

Muscat also told Jalil that if Labour is elected in government it would continue on strengthening the ties between the two countries.

He said that Labour supported the discussions on oil and said he hoped positive results are achieved.

Jalil reiterated his thanks to Malta for the help given to the Libyan people during the uprising. He said he was aware that Malta had been united to help them. Jalil added that Libya was prepared to work with Malta, irrespective of the party that is in government.