Posted on 02/23/2011 8:36:57 AM PST by Red Badger
Italian navy says it is monitoring a Libyan "naval asset" in the Mediterranean, but is not clear about its intention.
The Italian navy has told Al Jazeera it is monitoring a Libyan "naval asset" that has stalled off the coast of Malta.
Malta is the closest European Union member to Libya and is located just 340km north of Libyan shores in the Mediterranean Sea.
Al Jazeera's Cal Perry, reporting from Malta on Tuesday, said: "We're talking to a very senior source inside the Italian army and what he's telling us basically is that this ship has been spotted off the coast of Malta.
"There's obviously concern on the part of the Italians - and we've been talking all day about the Italian-Libyan relationship. I think it's fair to say we're seeing tensions here rising in a way that we haven't seen in the past.
"At about 6pm, we understand, five Italian fighter jets left the base ... in southern Italy to get eyes on this ship; to take a look at this ship; where it is; what's going on.
"There were rumours that it had lowered its flags - maybe it was a ship that's defecting. The concern, of course, is that if this ship is not one that's going to defect, what's it doing in these waters?"
A report on the Times of Malta website said Maltese forces had denied they were monitoring any Libyan warship.
The developments came a day after two Libyan fighter-jet pilots defected to Malta, saying they had been ordered to fire on civilians who are protesting against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, in power since 1969.
"Malta has become a departure point and entry point for people trying to flee Tripoli [Libya's capital]," our correspondent said, nothing that there was chaos at the local airport.
"The smallest European Union country, this tiny island of Malta, has become the central point of European countries to get their citizens out [of Libya].
"As the situation develops, perhaps ... we'll see more and more Libyan officials coming here to defect, because it's just geographically close."
In other news from Malta, about 100 Libyans rallied on Tuesday outside their embassy on the island, burning an Italian flag in protest against Italy's close ties with Gaddafi's government.
The demonstrators described as "heroes" the two colonels who flew to Malta.
There were scuffles with the police, who surrounded the building.
"One of the interesting things that happpened was that as the Libyans were protesting, calling for Gaddafi to step down, some of the embassy staff inside the embassy walked out ... and joined the protesters," Al Jazeera's Perry said.
"We're seeing this [Libyan] government dissolved in its overseas postings, especially here in its own backyard of Malta."
Funny these countries are like college kids who make a big deal out of being “Independent” until some crisis hits and then they go running back to mom and dad. Whenever the SHTF the former colonies all seem to look to the hated colonizer for protection.
Kinda like 40+ year old moving back to his parents house.............
Poker Run Race to Malta?............
Since the Libyan Navy's units are former Italian Navy units, perhaps they are just taking them back to the dealer for Warranty Work?
>>May be the Libyan Navy defecting...<<
Yeah, I’m finally figuring out that Malta is to Libya what Florida is to Cuba.
Upgrades?............
It is the nearest island that is part of the EU and therefore not arab muslim controlled.............
Ghadafi’s wife was just refused landing in Malta. Coincidence that Iran is there too. I think not.
‘Zactly.
Five? What are they doing? Buddy-tanking? Seems like a lot of jets to send on a Recee mission.
They’re Italians. They might get lost..............
What type of ship is it? Frigate?
No, but that's what her captain said.
Hey! Hey! I got your Italian Air Force right here! hehehehe
And hence the need to rely on the Italians - how humiliating is that!
Why, I’d horsewhip you...if I had a horse!
Ah heck, nobama’s needing to stop by and pick up a load of those nice gold plated tungsten bars at Ft. Knox that klintoon had made up. Only foolish mooselimb wannabe dictators are not preparing for THE FLIGHT to kenya.
What you mean these things are fake and worth about $100? They be lookin dasame, Bling is Bling toda bruthas! How we gonna feeds moochelle?
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