SOS Malta denies links with vessel's smuggling of Libyan minister

SOS Malta has confirmed press reports of its participation in the domestic effort to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Misurata on the vessel that left Malta for Misurata on the 29 March, 2011.

“Our involvement was limited solely and exclusively to the delivery of humanitarian aid and we were happy to learn that all the aid, consisting of medicines and food items, had been safely delivered,” director Claudia Taylor-East said.

SOS Malta has participated in only one outward journey on the vessel and disclaimed any ownership or other interest in that vessel as was reported in the press – which was revealed to have brought in a former Libyan minister.

“It has since been brought to the attention of SOS Malta that the vessel may have operated on a non-humanitarian basis on its return journey to Malta. SOS Malta was not in any way concerned or involved with the vessel’s return journey to Malta,” Taylor-East said.

“SOS Malta has and will always adhere to the core principles of humanitarian aid, namely, neutrality, impartiality, saving lives and alleviating suffering. Accordingly, and regrettably, SOS Malta will temporarily suspend its participation in any efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Libya until an unequivocal guarantee is obtained from Government authorities that transport to Misurata is engaged solely and entirely for humanitarian purposes.”