Policemen yesterday morning guarded the consular section of the Libyan Embassy in Ta’ Xbiex after a group of Libyans turned up to hold a protest.

The protesters, led by Osama Ben Zeglam and Elawej Walid, want the removal of Habib Lamin, the charge d’affaires of the Tobruk government, which is the internationally-recognised Libyan government, because he is not "listening to their problems".

The protestors say that in 10 months that he has been in Malta, Mr Lamin has rarely met the Libyan community and he needs to be replaced.

Police presence was high in Ta' Xbiex and although the number of protestors is small, they say that other Libyans are supporting their stand but do not want to show their faces for fear of being investigated.

The Libyans, who have a valid police permit for the protest, are calling for the intervention of the Maltese government to help sort the issue. They said they are grateful for assistance they have been given in Malta but would like to have a Libyan representative who sees to their needs.

They say that Mr Lamin is also staying away from the media.

Over the past months The Malta Independent has tried to obtain an interview with Mr Lamin but we were always turned down.