The Prime Minister said that the situation was a grievous one and one had to be extremely careful what to say and to take the best decisions for the peopl

Malta's condemnation of Gaddafi regime clear - PM

Malta had condemned the Gaddafi regime for killing and shooting civilians from the beginning of the uprising and its condemnation was clear, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this morning.

Speaking during a telephone interview on Radio 101 he said that he had even declared that the end of the Gaddafi regime was inevitable.

The Prime Minister reiterated that his utmost priority was the country’s security and as Malta had only one airport, it could not be placed in danger.

So not making it available for the attacks was reasonable and this position did not in any way hinder the implementation of the UN resolution, especially when only a few seconds away there was the Sigonella military airport in Sicily which could be used for the purpose.

The Prime Minister said that the situation was a grievous one and one had to be extremely careful what to say and to take the best decisions for the people.

He referred to his telephone conversation with Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi Mahmoudi last Friday when he had been informed that a ceasefire was going to be called.

Dr Gonzi said he told the Mr Baghdadi that the Libyan government had lost credibility by firing on protesters so calling a ceasefire was not enough.

The government had to prove what it was saying by withdrawing tanks and weapons from all over Libya.

Mr Baghdadi took note of what Dr Gonzi was saying but asked Dr Gonzi to understand that rebels were also shooting.

Dr Gonzi said that he insisted on his position.

He said that when the news first came out that Malta was requested to monitor and implement a ceasefire, the government had not received such an invitation.

However, in a press conference that night the Libyan government said that Malta and another three countries were being asked to send a delegation to monitor the ceasefire.

Malta’s reaction was that as there was now a UN resolution, it would be willing to do whatever was necessary if a request was made by the UN.

The Prime Minister noted that the condemnation to the Gaddafi regime did not just come from Europe but also from the Arab world.

The Arab League had, in its majority condemned the violence and the Libyan government’s actions and encouraged a UN decision in favour of a No Fly Zone. This showed the region’s determination and insistence.

He said that this was a delicate moment and the situation could affect Malta economically.

But he had confidence in the Maltese who had always managed to overcome crises and come out with flying colours.