Maltese minister expresses concern over assassination attempt on Libyan minister

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Evarist Bartolo joined the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Libya Jan Kubis in condemning and expressing concern over the assassination attempt on the UN-backed Libyan government’s Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, in the capital city of Tripoli, Libya.

Armed men had opened fire at Fathi Bashagha’s motorcade on a highway in Tripoli, wounding at least one of his guards.

“Malta also calls for a fully transparent investigation into this violent act which threatens the ongoing political process and the peaceful livelihoods of all Libyans, who have been suffering for far too long,” Bartolo said.

Minister Bartolo appealed to all parties to commit to the UNled political process and to join forces in building a safe and prosperous Libya in the hands of Libyans and for the good of all Libyans.

On Sunday, prior to the incident, Bartolo also held a phone call with Kubis, where both called on Libyan MPs to meet in a parliamentary sitting and in a spirit of national unity, give a vote of confidence to the government that will be appointed to lead Libya to the polls at end of this year.

They spoke of the work that needs to be done by Libyan MPs so that Libya has a government that will lead the country to elections on December 24, 2021. Both agreed on the importance that Libyans regain the fate of their country to have a united Libya and for the country’s riches to be enjoyed by all Libyans.