Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

Libyan Conflict
Diplomacy
- On 10 March 2011, ahead of the emergency EU summit
scheduled for 11 March, Prime Minister Gonzi strongly
advocated for an end to hostilities in Libya and stated that
Malta would not help the Libyan government because it
was “not a matter of mediation” and that the Libyan government
“had to listen to the wishes of the Libyan
people.” 15
- On 11 March 2011, Malta, along with the other Member
States, condemned the Gaddafi regime in Libya for its
“use of military force against the civilian population,”
with Prime Minister Gonzi stating that Malta expected the
exit of Colonel Gaddafi from the political scene to be “inevitable.”
16
- On 13 March 2011, Malta, along with a “handful” of other
Member States, called for a ceasefire in Libya during an
informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Budapest.
The ministers also discussed imposing more sanctions on
the Gaddafi regime.
- On 26 February 2011, Maltese Foreign Minister Dr. Tonio
Borg reiterated the government’s position that it would
be “neither a mediator” nor “play any military role,” so as
to not “burn bridges.” 17
- On 31 March 2011, Malta froze “millions of Euros” in Libyan
assets following the EU/UN directive to freeze the
assets of the Libyan Investment Authority as well as those
of Gaddafi and his family. 18
- On 21 June 2011, Foreign Minister Borg, in conjunction
with the foreign ministers of all other Member States,
froze the assets of 6 Libyan port authorities controlled by
Gaddafi’s forces. In a joint statement, the ministers added
that Gaddafi had “lost all legitimacy to remain in power”
and that there could be no impunity for crimes against
humanity. 19
Migration
- On 30 March 2011, Malta issued a “strong appeal” to the
EU for help in dealing with the large influx of migrants
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