Malta is hoping to resume normal operations at the Embassy in Tripoli as soon as the situation is stabilised.
This was stated by Foreign Minister George Vella when delivering a keynote speech at the international panel series of the Malta Chamber of Commerce Malta Mediterranean Forum on Governance.
Speaking on regional perspectives on governance and security challenges in Libya, Dr Vella said that what was being faced in Libya now was a clear and present threat of the collapse of the state and its institutions.
“I hate to admit it, but we could be looking at a failed state in the making, right on Europe’s doorstep.”
This sense of urgency, he said, was somehow being missed or underplayed.
“I do not say this out of a sense of provocation but through firsthand experience of passive reactions and lack of appetite to seriously engage on the issue by the international community at large, at least up to some months ago.”
Dr Vella said that the sparks flying about in Libya may yet start a fire that would be hard to contain.
“We, as neighbours, have a vested interest to see stability established in Libya but our focus goes beyond our immediate interests.
“We know that unless Europe and the international community seek ways to help the people of Libya to re-establish a legitimate government within their territory, the instability that Libyan people face today may very soon go beyond its borders and bring instability to other countries in the region.”
Dr Vella said that aside from the political priorities, the country’s commercial aspect which was so important to Malta was also understandably shaken.
“While figures remain encouraging despite evident obstacles, the resilient Maltese commercial presence in Libya is encountering difficulties, not least because of the limited air connections, but above all because of the prevailing air of uncertainty on all fronts.”
Security was an overriding priority for Malta as it immediately felt the repercussions of turmoil on the ground.
“Our first priority remains that of securing the well being of our own nationals and then stands ready to provide logistical assistance to countries that resort to our intervention to secure the safe departure of their nationals.
“While this is undoubtedly a burden on our already limited infrastructure, we have not shied away from our responsibilities as credible and reliable regional partners and always rose to the occasion.”
Dr Vella said that purely from a human perspective, he wished that more attention was paid to the difficult humanitarian situation that has resulted from months of violence.
He said that in the present fragmented political scenario, the United Nations remained, in his view, the only body that could resolve the present stalemate.
“While I welcome the efforts being made by a number of countries on an individual basis, all initiatives must be channelled through the United Nations.”