Foreign Minister Tonio Borg has had talks with Libyan leaders about the situation which has arisen after Switzerland used the Schengen rules for political aims, and was informed that Libya has accepted the latest proposals made by the Spanish presidency of the EU.

The proposals are yet to be accepted also by the Swiss government, which is convening a cabinet meeting to discuss them, the Department of Information said.

Considerable Maltese interests are suffering as a result of the situation, after Switzerland used the Schengen rules against a body of Libyans, who include Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Dr Borg on Wednesday evening had an hour’s meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoudi al Baghdadi, who informed him of Libya’s acceptance of the Spanish proposals.

Dr Borg said he would again raise the issue at the next council of ministers meeting on 22 March if no solution would not have been arrived at by then. Schengen countries in the Mediterranean are prepared to suggest proposals so that the system would not be used for political aims, and will be making remedial proposals on this.

Dr Borg yesterday also met Libya’s European Affairs Minister, Abdulati Alobidi, whom he informed of the latest developments in the EU in connection with the issue.

Dr Borg subsequently spoke on the telephone with the Spanish foreign minister, Miguel Moratinos, and with the Italian foreign Minister, Franco Frattini, who will be visiting Libya on Monday.