Ban Ki-Moon praises Malta’s Libyan efforts

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praised Malta’s ongoing efforts to stabilise Libya. During a meeting with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Ban Ki-Moon said that he understands that the Libyan crisis is creating problems for Malta.  

“Any solution to the crisis must include the unconditional disarming of militants so that they will no longer be able to keep cities hostage,” Muscat said. “The United Nations must be ready to respond to any request by the Libyan people that includes compromise and consultation.”

Muscat said that the problems of the Libyan conflict and immigration are intertwined and cannot be treated seperately.

“Human traffickers can easily profit from the unstable situation in Libya and place more people’s lives in risk at sea,” Muscat said, citing the recent shipwreck in the Mediterranean where hundreds of people died. “Malta will remain firm in its policies in the light of recent tragedies at sea, while continuing to show respect to the victims of immigration.” 

Seperately, Ban Ki-moon also praised Malta for being one of the first countries to place climate change on the international agenda and for recently becoming home to the International Institute on Justice.