1.
SCU PAN Libyan Minister out of aircraft & greeted Maltese Foreign Office official Kallega & Dr Hyzler & by Libyan Ambassador Thulthe & others
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CU Sign "Arrivals"
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SCU PAN Thulthe & Hyzler
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SV Pressmen at door as party enter car
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Initials SGM/2349 SGM/2300


This film has natural sound throughout.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Libyan Minister of communications arrived at Malta's Luqa Airport on Sunday (9 January) for talks with Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. The Minister, Mr Tahe Sharif, was met at the airport by the Maltese Minister of Development. Dr Albert Hyzler, and the Libyan Ambassador to Malts, Mr Busatta Thulthe.

It was reported that the Minister was discussing the question of Libyan help for running Malta's airport when the British Air Force air traffic controllers depart. With Britain's ignoring Mr Mintoff's ultimatum that all British forces must quit Malta by next Saturday (15 January), there's reported to be speculation on the island the some attempt might be made to take over the air communications.

SYNOPSIS: Malta's Luqe Airport....and on Sunday night a special visitor arrived. Mr. Taha sharif, the Libyan Minister of Communications, stepped off the aircraft for talks with Maltese Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. It's reported the two men were talking about Libyan help for running the airport when the British Air Force air traffic controllers depart. Among those greeting the Minister was the Maltese Minister for Development, Dr Albert Hyzler, and the Libyan Ambassador to Malta, Mr Busattar Thulthe. It was understood that the Libyan minister was to be conferring with the Maltese minister responsible for communications.

The talks have taken on a strong significance since it's reported there's speculation that some-attempt may be made to take over the air communications. This partly stems from Britain's refusal to meet Mr Mintoff's deadline to leave by Saturday, Speculation is reportedly further increased by the presence of a team of 48 airport technicians who flow into Malta from Libya a week ago. But the British authorities are determined to hold on to the control tower and its electronic installations until the last of the 3,500 servicemen have left.