Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning revealed that Malta refused a suggestion made by the Libyan Prime Minister to trade the three Dutch soldiers captured by Gaddafi forces in Sirte with the two Libyan fighter planes currently being held in Malta.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com prior to the start of an extraordinary EU summit in Brussels, Dr Gonzi said that he was very satisfied with the release of the three Dutch soldiers and was informed that they were released at 3 a.m. and handed over to Maltese and Greek diplomats at Tripoli’s airport.

“Malta was instrumental in the release of these soldiers and was involved in delicate negotiations. We are very satisfied that they are returning home safely.”

Dr Gonzi said that although Libya wanted to release these soldiers only on condition that Malta returns the Mirage planes, Dr Gonzi said he refused this suggestion and insisted that the Dutch soldiers had to be released immediately without any conditions.

He said that Malta was informed yesterday evening that three soldiers were being released by the Libyan authorities without any conditions.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte this morning thanked Malta for its help in the release of three helicopter crew members by Libya last night.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com before the start of an extraordinary summit meeting in Brussels this morning Mr Rutte said: “We are very glad that our soldiers have been released. Sixteen million Dutch are looking forward to welcome them back home. I am grateful for the good offices of Malta and Greece that helped secure their release.”

The Dutch Navy helicopter crew were captured by Gaddafi forces near Sirte on February 27.

The two men and a woman were handed to Greek and Maltese officials in Tripoli and flown to Athens on a Greek Air Force C-130 transport aircraft.

They were captured while trying to evacuate two civilians by Lynx navy helicopter with no backup on board. Libya kept the helicopter.