MALTA: LIBYAN JAMAHIRIYAH LEADER COLONEL MUAMMAR GADDAFI ARRIVES FOR THREE DAY VISIT AND ATTENDS LABOUR PARTY RALLY

Record ID: 504578

  • Title: MALTA: LIBYAN JAMAHIRIYAH LEADER COLONEL MUAMMAR GADDAFI ARRIVES FOR THREE DAY VISIT AND ATTENDS LABOUR PARTY RALLY
  • Date: 3rd July 1978
  • Summary: SV Colonel Maummar Gaddafi of Libya waves to crowd and walks down steps of aircraft and is greeted by officials, and the President of the Republic Dr. Anton Buttigieg. SV Gaddafi shaking hands with officials and walking across tarmac. (2 SHOTS) GV Guard of Honour stands to attention as Gaddafi walks past. (2 SHOTS) GV Crowd cheering. (2 SHOTS) GV PAN Crowd along street and on rooftops singing and chanting in Valletta. TV Gaddafi walking through crowd. (2 SHOTS) TV Gaddafi walks through crowd and is embraced by Mintoff. TV Crowd applaud as Gaddafi and Mintoff stand on rostrum. (3 SHOTS) SV Mintoff walks up to microphone as crowd cheer. (2 SHOTS) SV Mintoff makes speech PAN TO Gaddafi listening. (5 SHOTS) 08 In his speech to the Maltese audience Colonel Gaddafi criticised the British and asked them what malta had ever received from Britain except bombs, referring to the heavy bombing of Malta during the second World War when it was a vital British base in the Mediterranean. Libya, said Colonel Gaddafi, is ready to defend Malta against attack, train the Maltese and supply them with weapons. Initials JS/2300 Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
  • Embargoed: 18th July 1978 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: VALLETTA, MALTA
  • Country: Malta
  • Topics: International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVA6IZJ56ZL1WQSOHVVRCH53XNIF
  • Story Text: The leader of the Libyan Jamahiriyah, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has been visiting Malta, after touring eastern Europe. During his three-day stay Colonel Gaddafi discussed a variety of problems with Prime Minister Don Mintoff including oil supplies and military bases.

    SYNOPSIS: The Libyan Head of State was met at Luqa Airport by Maltese President Dr. Anton Buttigieg and other government officials. He also received a rousing welcome from Libyans living in Malta, most of whom are students.

    The arrival ceremonies included a gun salute, the presentation of the Diplomatic Corps and an inspection of the armed forces of the Malta Guard of Honour. In the past the Jamahiriyah has sold oil to Malta at a very cheap rate.

    After the ceremonies, Colonel Gaddafi left to begin his first round of talks with the Prime Minister. They were to concentrate on oil supplies and co-operative ventures, including a possible joint airline. The median line between the two countries will also be discussed, because a dispute has held up Malta's offshore oil exploration.

    On Sunday (2 July) after laying the foundation stone of the Mosque and Islamic centre of Corradino serving the ever increasing Islamic community in Malta, Colonel Gaddafi attended a public meeting in Valletta. Organised by the Malta Labour Party it was addressed by both Mr. Mintoff and Colonel Gaddafi. Mr. Mintoff said that he would look exclusively to the Arabs for economic help when British bases in Malta finally close in 1979, unless Europeans stop bickering over his island state. He said Italy, France, Algeria and the Libyan Jamahiriyah had been asked to guarantee the Maltese economy when the British move out, ending a 178-year presence on the island.

    The Prime Minister went on to say that the Libyans and Algerians had already agreed to guarantee the Maltese economy, but the Europeans were bickering and unless they soon reached a decision, he would seek agreement with the Arab countries alone. Colonel Gaddafi said that Libya would never establish military bases on Malta, but that there were strategic reasons for the Libyans to ensure Maltese economic and political freedom.
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