A group of politicians from different parts of Libya said they were hopeful that a solution is "close" following peace talks in Malta. 

The politicians told Times of Malta that they were grateful to Malta for facilitating the first meeting between members from the House of Representatives, the  Higher State Council and different political groups.

Abdulaziz Taher Hariba, a member of the Higher State Council, told Times of Malta that there was nothing better than having Libyans meeting up to find solutions for their own problems. 

"Interference from other parties can make the problem more complicated. We chose Malta because it is a neutral country and it has always opened its arms for Libyan dialogue.

"We do not have big problems for which there is no solution. That is why we are here - we know that the solution is close to us. We thank the Maltese government for facilitating this first meeting between the different groups,” he said.

Musab al Abid, a member of the Tripoli parliament, said he was happy to be in Malta, a country which did not participate directly or indirectly in the Libyan conflict and which always kept a neutral position. Malta had always been close to the Libyan people, he added.

"We are very hopeful about these meetings. We would like to see them being held again, including in Libya. Foreign interference is the main issue of Libyan conflicts. We've had countries supporting or supplying weapons to one side or another. We wish other countries would support our efforts for a united Libya," he said. 

Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo told Times of Malta that the island had facilitated the meeting between various parties involved in the peace talks because Malta wanted to see peace and stability in the neighbouring country. 

“This initiative is being held in the context of work spearheaded by the United Nations. Libyan politicians need to work together to plan how to build Libya afresh. When you have a war, it does not only destroy power stations, schools, hospitals and homes but it also destroys the unity between the people.

“They asked to meet here because they consider Malta to be a friendly and neutral country. Malta wants peace and stability in Libya. The country could be the wealthiest in the Mediterranean, but they need to unite and work together to have a united Libya led by Libyans,” he said. 
 
Bartolo called on the politicians to work together and rebuild national unity with the same resolve they needed to rebuild airports, power stations, electricity and water services, hospitals, schools and homes that had been destroyed by the war.

Bartolo said that any initiative for peace and unity in Libya should be guided by the United Nations’ and Berlin processes. No initiative should disrupt and spoil the delicate and difficult work that had led to the agreed and observed ceasefire and the end of suffering for Libyan people.
 
He said Malta must play its small and modest part for the good of Libyans themselves and of the Maltese who, apart from being neighbours, have been helping each other in times of need for years.

Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo with Abdulaziz Taher Hariba, member of the higher council of state. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Libyans deserve guaranteed development and progress - PN

In a statement, the PN said it hoped the meeting will lead to steps towards peace, reconciliation and democracy.

It said it supported any initiative towards ending conflict, adding that Libyan people deserved a future that would guarantee development and progress.