Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo and Stephanie Williams, the Special Advisor on Libya to the Secretary General of the United Nations, on Saturday exchanged views on the situation in Libya during a telephone call.

Minister Bartolo conveyed to Williams the readiness of Prime Minister Robert Abela for Malta to back her work in promoting an inclusive intra Libyan dialogue and in mobilising regional and international support to seek common ground for the common good of all the Libyan people. 

Bartolo told Williams that new steps are needed to support the political, social and economic development of the Libyan people to regain control of their own destiny, heal internal divisions, build national and inclusive institutions for the benefit of all.

Bartolo also told Williams that the African Union and Libya’s neighbours must be involved when dealing with the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries as countries like Sudan and Chad would be destabilised if this delicate issue is not handled well. 

Bartolo also said that as many Libyans as possible must be included and consulted in the political process to ensure that the outcome of the elections would be accepted and respected by all once they are held.