Malta not part of anti-ISIS coalition, US amends country list

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has categorically denied that Malta has signed an agreement to join the anti-Islamic State Coaltion.

The denial comes amid reports by international media that claim Malta forms part of 62 countries who joined the United States in a coalition against ISIL.

The international media has cited a list issued by the State Department, although they describe Malta’s commitment as “not specific”.

But although the list was reported by The Telegraph and The Washington Post as including Malta, the list carried on the website of the US Department of State, accessed today Tuesday 30 September, does not include Malta.

It would seem that Malta has in fact been removed from the DoS list, since the Chicago Sun Times reproduced the same DoS statement of 19 September on the same day, with Malta included in the list.

Screenshot of US Department of State press release, accessed on 30 September 2014

In a statement, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs said Malta had no commitment towards the United States or any other country or organisation to join such a coalition.

“While Malta recognises the Islamic State is a threat not only to Iraq, Syria and the region but also to the United States and Europe, Malta did not sign any agreements,” the ministry said.

It added that Malta has strongly condemned, in international for a, the violence perpetuated by the Islamic State and offered its political and moral support in the fight against barbarism and terrorism.

“Malta’s neutrality has the goal to achieve peace and therefore Malta cannot remain neutral or passive in such circumstance,” the ministry said.

“Malta also recognised its moral obligations that the humanitarian situation be addressed.”