38 Maltese citizens who were in Tripoli, Libya, were evacuated to Malta, the government said.
Through coordinated efforts by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, together with other entities and authorities, an evacuation plan was prepared and implemented to safely extract the 38 Maltese nationals who were caught in the ongoing tensions in Tripoli, Libya, and to bring them back safely to Malta, the government said.
As part of this plan, the concerned authorities moved forward with the plan with the assistance of the Libyan security forces, that transferred the Maltese from Tripoli to Misurata, government said. "The Maltese began their journey on the morning of Thursday, 15th May, and arrived in Misurata early in the afternoon. No difficulties were encountered during the journey, and the Maltese boarded a commercial flight from Misurata airport and arrived safely back in Malta."
"This evacuation was made possible thanks to the efforts of Malta's Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, and the Envoy of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment in Libya, Colonel Alexander Dalli."
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs urges Maltese citizens to avoid all travel to Libya during this period, until further instructions are issued. Maltese nationals currently in Libya who require consular assistance should contact the Directorate for Consular Services and Maltese Living Abroad by calling 22040000 or via email at [email protected].
"Malta remains committed to continuing its contribution toward ensuring that Libya and the Mediterranean enjoy the stability, progress, security, and peace that the citizens of this region deserve. Malta is actively working in favour of peace and security in Libya and the Mediterranean at all levels, including through bilateral talks with key partners in Libya and the region, work with European Union Member States, and active participation in various initiatives related to the region within the United Nations and other European and international organizations."