Muscat warns of collapse of 'fragile' Libyan state

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Unless the ongoing situation in Libya improves, the country and its fragile institutions could be facing collapse, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat warned.

Speaking at a New Year's greeting with the diplomatic corps, Muscat pledged his commitment to see Libya rise on its feet. 

"its a shame that all diplomatic attempts at peace have failed so far," Muscat said. "Malta will continue to play a role to ensure that the conflict ends as soon as possible for the sake of our Libyan brothers."

In his speech, Muscat toasted the government's achievements throughout 2014.

"At 3%, our economic growth during 2014 surpassed the EU average and is predicted to continue growing," he said. "At the same time, unemployment has dropped to an all-time low, tourism has reached record levels, we've reduced our fiscal deficit to 2.1%, and the energy sector has been greatly reformed.

"We've also maintained a strong manufacturing and gaming base, while becoming a state of-the-art location for the financial sector and a more attractive location for foreign investment."

The government's aims for 2015, he said, was to continue striving towards an economic growth that ensures social justice, to incentivise even more people to enter the labour market, to instill a conviction amongst the people that their hard work is being rewarded, and to ensure that no sector of society feels like second class citizens.

"It was this train of thought that led us to introduce civil unions last year," Muscat said.

Referring to the recent militant attacks in Paris that he described as 'appalling', the Prime Minister said that the people should stick to their core values.

"We must remain vigilant in the face of this common terrorist threat," he said. "There should be no room for hate speech or intolerance towards any race or religion." 

Speaking on behalf of the foreign diplomats, Apostolic Nuncio Aldo Cavalli described 2014 as a year in which the Prime Minister advanced Malta in various sectors.
"Our aim for this year should be to improve ourselves for the sake of the population," Cavalli said. "This means that we should improve our own personal qualities, enhance our wisdom, and imrpove ou understanding of our lives, particularly in light of such turbulent global changes.
"2015 presents a chance for another optimistic year where we can ensure that Malta's status as a country in which everyone can flourish and live without fear."