In one of the first statements he made since he was appointed President of the Republic, George Vella expressed his concern about the unfolding events in Libya. He said he was worried that the international community is not giving too much attention to what is happening there, in spite of the situation getting worse by the day.

What happens in this north African country has always been a matter of concern for Malta, given the fact that the two countries are neighbours.

When Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in the early part of this decade, Libya did not settle down as many thought it would. The different factions that compose the country have been at loggerheads ever since, all trying to take over absolute control, all believing that they had to right to lead Libya. Tripoli, but not only the capital city, has now been experiencing chaos for years, and it seems highly unlikely that the situation could be brought under control anytime soon.

There have been months when there were hopes that Libya could finally emerge from the civil strife, but the latest happenings have thrown optimism out the window.

As Foreign Minister for many years, George Vella knows how intricate the situation in that country is, and he is perfectly right to state that the effects of what is happening could spill over the Libyan borders.

For one thing, Libya has served as a transit point for many sub-Sahara migrants as they try to make their way to Europe. Malta, like other southern European states, has had to deal with an influx of migrants leaving Libya in search of a better life, and we all know about the recent incidents concerning ships carrying migrants which have been stranded for days as Europe tried to come up with solutions to such humanitarian crises.

The deterioration of the situation in Libya can only make the situation worse; not only for migrants, but also for foreigners working in Libya, including Maltese citizens, and Libyan civilians themselves. When Gaddafi was toppled and Libya went through months of uncertainty, Malta had served as a base for foreigners trying to flee the country. So far, we have not arrived at that point yet, but the chances that this could happen again are growing.

The United Nations says that there are some 3,600 refugees and migrants who are held in facilities near the frontlines of fighting between the Libyan National Army and other militias. Five detention centres are in areas already engulfed by internal fighting, while six more are in close proximity to where the clashes are taking place. A worsening situation could only mean that these migrants will try to take the first boat available to Europe.

The World Health Organization, for its part, says the fighting which erupted in the past month or so has killed more than 270 people, including civilians, and wounded nearly 1,300. It says more than 30,000 people have been displaced and more could follow.

The international community cannot continue to ignore the unravelling developments in Libya. And Malta has every interest to see that matters in this neighbouring country are brought in check.

A worsening crisis would inevitably hit Malta too.