As rightly reported by the Malta Independent, towards the end of last week, theTripoli Acting Prime Minister, Khalifa al-Ghawi, was in Malta to hold a number of bilateral meetings. At the end of his short stay, Khalifa al-Ghawiheld a small reception, at a hotel in St Julian, where he was staying and I was one of the privileged few to be invited to this event. This event was attended by leading exponents of the Libyan communityin Malta but to my surprise none of the two leading political parties was represented.I am sure that they were all invited. The only political organizationpresentwas AlleanzaBidla. It was clear that its leader, Ivan Grech-Mintoff, is in the good books of the Tripoli Government.
It is a mystery why the Government and the political parties did not send a representative considering that this was an official event, where the playing of the national anthems, of Malta and Libya, were also played. At least, there was one ambassador present together with the representative of the United Nations for Libya, besides a potential eavesdropper who was there to report back to his superiors. It is a great misfortune that the press was notinformed and that the Government did not issue any formal communication.
One can agree or disagree with Dom Mintoff, but his greatest achievement in international affairs washis acumen to anticipate events. He recognized Libya when the rest of the other big powers did not want to have anything to do with the Gaddafi’s regime. He established relationships with countries that the international community was not yet prepared to recognize. Two countries come to mind, China and Vietnam. This explains why these countries today have respect for our small nation.
Libya was under a regime and this was clearly spelled out by Khalifa al-Ghawi. Libya has been through a civil war. The options of this country arenow either to split up or get together. If the people of Libya choose the second option, then, there is the need for national reconciliation. If Malta wants tobe a player in this reconciliation process, then it is the duty of our politicians tobe present atsuch types of gatherings. We are small and here lies our strength in bilateral relations. Neighbouring countries know that we do not foster aspirations of grandeur.Therefore, it is easier for us to play the part of honest brokers. But even here, I am starting to have doubts, because diplomacy is seen by some as a means to line pockets rather than as a mission for the benefit of humanity.
During this social gathering, it was clear that the Tripoli government is harvesting on religion as a factor for Libyan unity. Perhaps, this could be a reason why the West prefers the Tobruk Government, as it appearslay to their eyes. However, in Muslim politics there is no concept of Secular government. Secularism in North Africa is either identified with European Colonial Regimes or else with corrupt governments. Gaddafi used to portray himself secular or religious depending on his mode.
I sympathise with the Tripoli Government for making a religious choice. The Tripoli faction knows that religion can be an element of unity after such a lacerating civil war.This explains why before the Acting Prime Minister of Tripoli delivered his talk, an imam chanted the opening verses of the Quran or Surat al-Fatiha.History is in their favour for the story of Europe is not much different. The only common factor that the founding fathers of the European Union had in common was their Roman Catholic faith!
The second point was the projection of a highly charged political video, featuring Lawrence Gonzi. While Grech-Mintoff’s presence testifies the respect that the Libyan people have towards his uncle, the same people of Libya still treasure the support of Prime Minister Gonzi to the rebels. Perhaps, reading these events with a western mentality, it could appear a contradiction in terms. But for the Libyan people, who are still coming to terms with their own Nationalism, they can only treasure good deeds that came from previousMaltese Prime Ministers, irrespective of the person who ruled Libya. This explains why, while the acting Prime-Minister of Libya was delivering his speech, a footageof Prime Minister Gonziwas shown delivering the two Libyan fighter jets back tothe people of Libya at the end of the revolution.
The third point concerns the Libyan residents in Malta. War and instability brought about the need for a number of Libyan businessmen and other Libyan nationals to set up temporary residence in Malta. Many ended up living inSliema. Many boughtproperty running into thousands if not millions. These Libyans are not abusing the system but seeking refuge during a time of great turbulence in their own country.
I am sure that if these Libyans were Germans or Northern People, the Maltese nation would be all in praise and support but because they are Libyans, they are labelled as potential IS terrorists.
To add insult to injury, the present government is making it difficult for them to get a residence permit. This negative attitude sharpened aftera government official and a leading Labour exponent was exposed as having a part in a racket of abuse. What is not being said is not the “tangenti” or kickbacks that escalated relations between Libyan businessmen and their Maltese counterparts but this subsequent attitude of the same government.I am sure that Maltese businessmen have started to feel the pinch.While kickbacks were part and parcel of the business culture in Libya, it is also endemic in the Muslim world never to forgive a bad action meted out. Due to this negative attitude, some Libyan businessmen have already moved their businesses to other countries. But these stories fail to hit the news.
The Libyan situation is in transition, but once stability is achieved, this country will be faced with the herculean task of reconstruction. I am sure that like all nations, the Libyan people will remember the good and bad deeds done in their regard.The video about Gonzi is a clear message that this is one of the good actions that they still cherish.However, the manner Libyan residents are currently being treated in Maltashould remind the Labour Government, that sooner or later, the chickens will come home to roost.