How is divorce more 'important' to Malta than a potential Libyan conflagration?

Published: February 20, 2011 at 10:43pm

Just as it did with Tunisia, the Maltese media are slow to wake up to the stories in Libya.

What is everyone waiting for?

Here’s a telling exchange on timesofmalta.com’s comments-board, between a Maltese man in Tripoli and a Maltese woman in Malta who can’t reach her husband in Libya.

Tony Tabone
I am currently in Tripoli – I think the Media is blowing it up at times!!! All is OK here in Tripoli-no problems so far…..

L.Abela
have you still got internet plz?? I was talking to my husband just now who is in Libya too, and all of a sudden internet from his side was gone and all his mobile lines….maltese and libyans are blocked!!! We hope all of you there will be safe and sound…….It`s true till now Tripoli was calm!

Tony Tabone
Hi Mrs. Abela, I still have internet and I am in contact with Malta. But no mob connection!!!
Do not worry about your husband he will be ok…..God is with us….

Typical Maltese egocentricity: people are being blown up in Benghazi, but God is with the Maltese in Tripoli.




13 Comments Comment

  1. Anthony Farrugia says:

    If the situation in Libya implodes, are there contingency plans by our government to evacuate the Maltese in Libya or are we going to rely on the Austrian military transport plane now at MIA?

    [Daphne – That’s what I mean: this is exactly what reporters should be asking instead of taking a Sunday snooze.]

    • Anthony Farrugia says:

      It appears that timesofmalta.com has shut down for the night; last item uploaded was that about shooting of spoonbills.

    • H.P. Baxxter says:

      They’ll be evacuated along with other EU citizens, courtesy of some other country’s armed forces. With Svizzera fil-Mediterran, this would have been impossible.

    • ciccio2011 says:

      Anthony, looks like we will have to rely on the Austrian plane given that Ghaddafi is buying our own Airmalta.
      http://www.maltastar.com/pages/r1/ms10dart.asp?a=14214

      • Anthony Farrugia says:

        “So what is Dr Gonzi’s second option? The Abu Dhabi based airline, who’s motto is “From Abu Dhabi to the world”, is quite new. Yet, what is interesting to note is that on it’s official website, the opening page asks for the user’s specific geographical location. In the list of countries, Malta.”

        This is the last paragraph from Maltastar’s “scoop” (or poop ?) and it appears that they are not aware that any self-respecting web site (in this case Etihad airline) asks for user’s specific geographical location to channel user to information pertaining to his region; in fact user’s geographical location is now automatically detected by sites without any need to request this information specifically.

        I think Maltastar reads tea leaves as its main source of information or this could be a cunning plan to further confuse Air Malta’s employees.

  2. Corinne Vella says:

    Follow live reports from Libya at http://www.libyafeb17.com

  3. Corinne Vella says:

    http://www.libyafeb17.com

    BREAKING BREAKING: Huge clashes between protesters and armed mercenaries at Green Square – RIGHT NOW

    Posted on February 20, 2011 by admin

    23:15 @AJELive: “there is a white mitsubishi lancer … they are shooting at people randomly” doctor in Tripoli tells @AJELive

    23:13 BBC Article on the developing situation here

    23:13 @AJELive: More news coming in: a resident of the upmarket suburb Benashour in Tripoli says she can hear gunshots and sounds of clashes #Libya

  4. Cremona says:

    U mela….well done, Daphne.

    This is what we should be discussing – massive turmoil a stone’s throw from Malta.

    Do we have contingency plans for all the Maltese in Libya? What about a very probable human influx of political refugees?

    And our daft politicians from both sides are discussing divorce, a consolidated civil right which was topical as a discussion 30-50 years ago.

  5. John Schembri says:

    “Tnx, I`m on skype with him again….thank God. Be careful all of you!! yes lines are sometimes on and off”

    Now who is being sensible, Daphne or Tony Tabone?

    How can ANYONE evacuate people from Libya without permission to land? Don’t forget that Libya has sophisticated weapons.

    This morning I heard Dr Gonzi speak about how worrying the situation is in Libya and the Maghreb. He said that we need stability in our region.

    [Daphne – I don’t think you’ve been watching the news, John. ]

  6. Pepe` says:

    Absolute horror unfolding in Libya :

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wqDl479n2g&skipcontrinter=1

    I never felt close to the Libyan people, but I doubt whether I’ll sleep tonight after seeing this.

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