Malta recognizes Libyan transitional council

Jun 1, 2011

Valletta, Malta - The Maltese government on Thursday officially recognized Libya's Transitional National Council as the 'sole legitimate interlocutor' of the Libyan people.

In a statement, the government said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had spoken to council chairman Mahmoud Jibril chairman to inform him of the decision.

For several years, the smallest EU state had close political links with Moamer Gaddafi's regime. Gonzi and Gaddafi held talks in Tripoli just days before the popular uprising.

'Dr Jibril described this decision as a very important step forward which the Libyan people will never forget,' the Maltese government said.

'He added that while he hoped that the Maltese government will eventually decide to go for full recognition, this was a development that was very much appreciated,' it continued.

Abdel Rahman Shalgam, Libya's defected ambassador to the United Nations and today a senior representative of the Benghazi-based Transitional Council held meetings in Malta last week.

The self-appointed interim government is currently only recognized by a handful of countries, including France, Qatar and Italy.

Source: Monsters and Critics.
Link: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/africa/news/article_1642910.php/Malta-recognizes-Libyan-transitional-council.