Libya - Latest Updates (926)
Johnwain: FACTBOX-Libya evacuations by country
Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08am GMT Print | Single Page Text
Feb 26 (Reuters) -
BRITAIN: Britain was drawing up plans to pull out British oil workers stranded in desert camps, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday. Six flights had left Libya in the past 24 hours carrying Britons, and the frigate HMS Cumberland had evacuated Britons and other foreigners from Benghazi, he said.
CANADA: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Thursday nearly 200 Canadians had been, or were about to be, evacuated on planes and ships arranged by other nations. He said a C-17 military transport plane with 156 seats was on its way to Italy from Germany and would fly to Tripoli as soon as Libyan authorities gave permission.
CHINA: China has evacuated 12,000, or about one-third, of its citizens, many of them workers for Chinese-run projects, official media said on Friday.
CROATIA: Croatia said 28 Croatian workers have left Benghazi on an Italian military ship bound for Malta. A plane from Zagreb landed in Tripoli and Croatian officials were trying to reach the remaining workers at three different sites. There are around 125 Croat workers still in Libya.
GERMANY: Military sources have said Germany is sending three ships to the Libyan coast to help evacuate German citizens. The military is sending a supply vessel "Berlin" and the frigates "Brandenburg" and "Rheinland-Pfalz", with about 600 soldiers aboard. They are currently anchored off Valetta.
GREECE: Greece has evacuated 227 Greeks and Cypriots from Tripoli and Sabha in Libya aboard three C-130 military aircraft. It has also sent two frigates to waters off Libya and the Greek island of Crete.
IRELAND: Ireland is to try again to get a plane back to Tripoli. Irish media said an Irish air force plane returned to Malta from Tripoli with no passengers on board. There are around 70 Irish people in Libya, 54 of them Tripoli.
ITALY: Italy's foreign ministry said it planned to send a C130 aircraft on Friday to evacuate remaining Italians in Libya. A naval operation was underway to evacuate 150 Italians in Misrata and another 1,100 have left Libya in the last few days. The rest were expected back within the next 48 hours.
NETHERLANDS: The Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday 50 Dutch nationals remained in Libya, 25 of whom were looking to leave. However, communication with them was tough and sometimes impossible as they were spread out throughout the country.
SPAIN: A Spanish armed forces plane carrying 124 people evacuated from Tripoli, landed in Madrid on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The evacuees included 40 Spaniards as well as Mexican, British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals. Spain is planning the evacuation of a small number of Spaniards from outside Tripoli, the spokesman said.
TURKEY: Libyan authorities declined permission for some 250 Turks to cross the border into Tunisia late on Thursday. Turkey has evacuated 8,360 of its citizens on two ships and 26 planes, the prime minister's office said. It was sending a further 12 planes to Libya on Friday, including eight military aircraft.
-- A military ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers is expected to set sail on Friday from Benghazi for Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Two ferries with a total capacity of 2,000 passengers were en route for Libya, carrying food supplies and security and health personnel.
UNITED STATES: A U.S.-chartered ferry, Maria Dolores, carrying more than 300 passengers, more than half of them U.S. citizens, arrived in Malta after being delayed by high winds and choppy seas. Another catamaran carrying more U.S. citizens was due to dock later in the day.
-- Separately, the State Department said a chartered aircraft would leave a Tripoli airfield on Friday for Istanbul.
Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08am GMT Print | Single Page Text
Feb 26 (Reuters) -
BRITAIN: Britain was drawing up plans to pull out British oil workers stranded in desert camps, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday. Six flights had left Libya in the past 24 hours carrying Britons, and the frigate HMS Cumberland had evacuated Britons and other foreigners from Benghazi, he said.
CANADA: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Thursday nearly 200 Canadians had been, or were about to be, evacuated on planes and ships arranged by other nations. He said a C-17 military transport plane with 156 seats was on its way to Italy from Germany and would fly to Tripoli as soon as Libyan authorities gave permission.
CHINA: China has evacuated 12,000, or about one-third, of its citizens, many of them workers for Chinese-run projects, official media said on Friday.
CROATIA: Croatia said 28 Croatian workers have left Benghazi on an Italian military ship bound for Malta. A plane from Zagreb landed in Tripoli and Croatian officials were trying to reach the remaining workers at three different sites. There are around 125 Croat workers still in Libya.
GERMANY: Military sources have said Germany is sending three ships to the Libyan coast to help evacuate German citizens. The military is sending a supply vessel "Berlin" and the frigates "Brandenburg" and "Rheinland-Pfalz", with about 600 soldiers aboard. They are currently anchored off Valetta.
GREECE: Greece has evacuated 227 Greeks and Cypriots from Tripoli and Sabha in Libya aboard three C-130 military aircraft. It has also sent two frigates to waters off Libya and the Greek island of Crete.
IRELAND: Ireland is to try again to get a plane back to Tripoli. Irish media said an Irish air force plane returned to Malta from Tripoli with no passengers on board. There are around 70 Irish people in Libya, 54 of them Tripoli.
ITALY: Italy's foreign ministry said it planned to send a C130 aircraft on Friday to evacuate remaining Italians in Libya. A naval operation was underway to evacuate 150 Italians in Misrata and another 1,100 have left Libya in the last few days. The rest were expected back within the next 48 hours.
NETHERLANDS: The Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday 50 Dutch nationals remained in Libya, 25 of whom were looking to leave. However, communication with them was tough and sometimes impossible as they were spread out throughout the country.
SPAIN: A Spanish armed forces plane carrying 124 people evacuated from Tripoli, landed in Madrid on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The evacuees included 40 Spaniards as well as Mexican, British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals. Spain is planning the evacuation of a small number of Spaniards from outside Tripoli, the spokesman said.
TURKEY: Libyan authorities declined permission for some 250 Turks to cross the border into Tunisia late on Thursday. Turkey has evacuated 8,360 of its citizens on two ships and 26 planes, the prime minister's office said. It was sending a further 12 planes to Libya on Friday, including eight military aircraft.
-- A military ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers is expected to set sail on Friday from Benghazi for Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Two ferries with a total capacity of 2,000 passengers were en route for Libya, carrying food supplies and security and health personnel.
UNITED STATES: A U.S.-chartered ferry, Maria Dolores, carrying more than 300 passengers, more than half of them U.S. citizens, arrived in Malta after being delayed by high winds and choppy seas. Another catamaran carrying more U.S. citizens was due to dock later in the day.
-- Separately, the State Department said a chartered aircraft would leave a Tripoli airfield on Friday for Istanbul.
That is wild! What I don't understand is why they wouldn't let the 250 Turks through...That's just insane!
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What I posted this morning about a rumour that the HMS York could join in this mission turned out correct. As can be seen by the picture below the vessel has already reached Malta and is currently berthed in the Grand Harbour.
The "HMS York" is a Type 42 destroyer of the Royal Navy. Its purpose in Malta is not as yet disclosed but it is assumed that the vessel is on standby for assistance to the Frigate HMS Cumberland and possibly for any eventual developments in the crisis.
The latter vessel, the HMS Cumberland has already left the island on its way back to Libya (assumed destination Benghazi) to pick up further persons escaping the divided country.
As can also be seen from the picture above it is no longer sunny in Malta, it's all grey clouds and raining!
The "HMS York" is a Type 42 destroyer of the Royal Navy. Its purpose in Malta is not as yet disclosed but it is assumed that the vessel is on standby for assistance to the Frigate HMS Cumberland and possibly for any eventual developments in the crisis.
The latter vessel, the HMS Cumberland has already left the island on its way back to Libya (assumed destination Benghazi) to pick up further persons escaping the divided country.
As can also be seen from the picture above it is no longer sunny in Malta, it's all grey clouds and raining!
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zeus911: What I posted this morning about a rumour that the HMS York could join in this mission turned out correct. As can be seen by the picture below the vessel has already reached Malta and is currently berthed in the Grand Harbour.
The "HMS York" is a Type 42 destroyer of the Royal Navy. Its purpose in Malta is not as yet disclosed but it is assumed that the vessel is on standby for assistance to the Frigate HMS Cumberland and possibly for any eventual developments in the crisis.
The latter vessel, the HMS Cumberland has already left the island on its way back to Libya (assumed destination Benghazi) to pick up further persons escaping the divided country.
As can also be seen from the picture above it is no longer sunny in Malta, it's all grey clouds and raining!
The "HMS York" is a Type 42 destroyer of the Royal Navy. Its purpose in Malta is not as yet disclosed but it is assumed that the vessel is on standby for assistance to the Frigate HMS Cumberland and possibly for any eventual developments in the crisis.
The latter vessel, the HMS Cumberland has already left the island on its way back to Libya (assumed destination Benghazi) to pick up further persons escaping the divided country.
As can also be seen from the picture above it is no longer sunny in Malta, it's all grey clouds and raining!
That is one hell of a ship!
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The Maltese government said this afternoon it was formally advising all Maltese to leave Tripoli today on the two Virtu' Ferries catamarans which returned to Libya in the early hours of the morning. The two catamarans which yesterday brought over around 500 persons (mainly american citizens) are currently waiting at Tripoli harbour. They are plaaning to cast off at 6 p.m. (Malta time).
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
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zeus911: The Maltese government said this afternoon it was formally advising all Maltese to leave Tripoli today on the two Virtu' Ferries catamarans which returned to Libya in the early hours of the morning. The two catamarans which yesterday brought over around 500 persons (mainly american citizens) are currently waiting at Tripoli harbour. They are plaaning to cast off at 6 p.m. (Malta time).
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
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zeus911: The Maltese government said this afternoon it was formally advising all Maltese to leave Tripoli today on the two Virtu' Ferries catamarans which returned to Libya in the early hours of the morning. The two catamarans which yesterday brought over around 500 persons (mainly american citizens) are currently waiting at Tripoli harbour. They are plaaning to cast off at 6 p.m. (Malta time).
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
Air Malta's flight to Tripoli late this morning was cancelled as the situation around the airport was described as having deteriorated.
In a statement, the airline said it regretted any inconvenience to its passengers however the decision has been taken in the best interest of the safety of its passengers and crew.
"Air Malta will continue to assess the situation and will resume its operations when it will be considered to be safe enough to do so."
Both events seem to indicate a drastic worsening of the current situation in Libya.
Thanks for the updates, Zeus
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Johnwain: FACTBOX-Libya evacuations by country
Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08am GMT Print | Single Page Text
Feb 26 (Reuters) -
BRITAIN: Britain was drawing up plans to pull out British oil workers stranded in desert camps, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday. Six flights had left Libya in the past 24 hours carrying Britons, and the frigate HMS Cumberland had evacuated Britons and other foreigners from Benghazi, he said.
CANADA: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Thursday nearly 200 Canadians had been, or were about to be, evacuated on planes and ships arranged by other nations. He said a C-17 military transport plane with 156 seats was on its way to Italy from Germany and would fly to Tripoli as soon as Libyan authorities gave permission.
CHINA: China has evacuated 12,000, or about one-third, of its citizens, many of them workers for Chinese-run projects, official media said on Friday.
CROATIA: Croatia said 28 Croatian workers have left Benghazi on an Italian military ship bound for Malta. A plane from Zagreb landed in Tripoli and Croatian officials were trying to reach the remaining workers at three different sites. There are around 125 Croat workers still in Libya.
GERMANY: Military sources have said Germany is sending three ships to the Libyan coast to help evacuate German citizens. The military is sending a supply vessel "Berlin" and the frigates "Brandenburg" and "Rheinland-Pfalz", with about 600 soldiers aboard. They are currently anchored off Valetta.
GREECE: Greece has evacuated 227 Greeks and Cypriots from Tripoli and Sabha in Libya aboard three C-130 military aircraft. It has also sent two frigates to waters off Libya and the Greek island of Crete.
IRELAND: Ireland is to try again to get a plane back to Tripoli. Irish media said an Irish air force plane returned to Malta from Tripoli with no passengers on board. There are around 70 Irish people in Libya, 54 of them Tripoli.
ITALY: Italy's foreign ministry said it planned to send a C130 aircraft on Friday to evacuate remaining Italians in Libya. A naval operation was underway to evacuate 150 Italians in Misrata and another 1,100 have left Libya in the last few days. The rest were expected back within the next 48 hours.
NETHERLANDS: The Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday 50 Dutch nationals remained in Libya, 25 of whom were looking to leave. However, communication with them was tough and sometimes impossible as they were spread out throughout the country.
SPAIN: A Spanish armed forces plane carrying 124 people evacuated from Tripoli, landed in Madrid on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The evacuees included 40 Spaniards as well as Mexican, British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals. Spain is planning the evacuation of a small number of Spaniards from outside Tripoli, the spokesman said.
TURKEY: Libyan authorities declined permission for some 250 Turks to cross the border into Tunisia late on Thursday. Turkey has evacuated 8,360 of its citizens on two ships and 26 planes, the prime minister's office said. It was sending a further 12 planes to Libya on Friday, including eight military aircraft.
-- A military ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers is expected to set sail on Friday from Benghazi for Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Two ferries with a total capacity of 2,000 passengers were en route for Libya, carrying food supplies and security and health personnel.
UNITED STATES: A U.S.-chartered ferry, Maria Dolores, carrying more than 300 passengers, more than half of them U.S. citizens, arrived in Malta after being delayed by high winds and choppy seas. Another catamaran carrying more U.S. citizens was due to dock later in the day.
-- Separately, the State Department said a chartered aircraft would leave a Tripoli airfield on Friday for Istanbul.
Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08am GMT Print | Single Page Text
Feb 26 (Reuters) -
BRITAIN: Britain was drawing up plans to pull out British oil workers stranded in desert camps, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday. Six flights had left Libya in the past 24 hours carrying Britons, and the frigate HMS Cumberland had evacuated Britons and other foreigners from Benghazi, he said.
CANADA: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Thursday nearly 200 Canadians had been, or were about to be, evacuated on planes and ships arranged by other nations. He said a C-17 military transport plane with 156 seats was on its way to Italy from Germany and would fly to Tripoli as soon as Libyan authorities gave permission.
CHINA: China has evacuated 12,000, or about one-third, of its citizens, many of them workers for Chinese-run projects, official media said on Friday.
CROATIA: Croatia said 28 Croatian workers have left Benghazi on an Italian military ship bound for Malta. A plane from Zagreb landed in Tripoli and Croatian officials were trying to reach the remaining workers at three different sites. There are around 125 Croat workers still in Libya.
GERMANY: Military sources have said Germany is sending three ships to the Libyan coast to help evacuate German citizens. The military is sending a supply vessel "Berlin" and the frigates "Brandenburg" and "Rheinland-Pfalz", with about 600 soldiers aboard. They are currently anchored off Valetta.
GREECE: Greece has evacuated 227 Greeks and Cypriots from Tripoli and Sabha in Libya aboard three C-130 military aircraft. It has also sent two frigates to waters off Libya and the Greek island of Crete.
IRELAND: Ireland is to try again to get a plane back to Tripoli. Irish media said an Irish air force plane returned to Malta from Tripoli with no passengers on board. There are around 70 Irish people in Libya, 54 of them Tripoli.
ITALY: Italy's foreign ministry said it planned to send a C130 aircraft on Friday to evacuate remaining Italians in Libya. A naval operation was underway to evacuate 150 Italians in Misrata and another 1,100 have left Libya in the last few days. The rest were expected back within the next 48 hours.
NETHERLANDS: The Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday 50 Dutch nationals remained in Libya, 25 of whom were looking to leave. However, communication with them was tough and sometimes impossible as they were spread out throughout the country.
SPAIN: A Spanish armed forces plane carrying 124 people evacuated from Tripoli, landed in Madrid on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The evacuees included 40 Spaniards as well as Mexican, British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals. Spain is planning the evacuation of a small number of Spaniards from outside Tripoli, the spokesman said.
TURKEY: Libyan authorities declined permission for some 250 Turks to cross the border into Tunisia late on Thursday. Turkey has evacuated 8,360 of its citizens on two ships and 26 planes, the prime minister's office said. It was sending a further 12 planes to Libya on Friday, including eight military aircraft.
-- A military ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers is expected to set sail on Friday from Benghazi for Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Two ferries with a total capacity of 2,000 passengers were en route for Libya, carrying food supplies and security and health personnel.
UNITED STATES: A U.S.-chartered ferry, Maria Dolores, carrying more than 300 passengers, more than half of them U.S. citizens, arrived in Malta after being delayed by high winds and choppy seas. Another catamaran carrying more U.S. citizens was due to dock later in the day.
-- Separately, the State Department said a chartered aircraft would leave a Tripoli airfield on Friday for Istanbul.
How the hell did china get 12000 people out in this time? I suppose they are a lot smaller though
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Following my visit to the docks to snap a pic of HMS York this afternoon, I made my way to where the "Roma" was berthed. From the dock I could see loads of Chinese nationals on the upper decks, in all it is reported to be holding around 2,200 persons. The chinese had to stay aboard the ship as they did not seek any accomodation on the island, though their stay aboard should not offer any hardships since the "Roma" looks like a pretty nice cruise liner.
A visit to the airport later revealed that one massive China Eastern Airlines - A343 jet was already waiting to pick up some of the people on the "Roma". As I was there a second Eastern Airlines jet landed and parked next to it (see pictures below)
It has been reported that some 1,600 of the 2,200 Chinese who arrived in Malta this morning are expected to be put on flights home by tonight. Quite an amazing feat for the Chinese Government to have coordinated this considering China is not exactly next door!
On a shorter trip back home will also be 90 of the 250 Britons who arrived on the HMS Cumberland last night, the rest are taking a break here.
The Americans, Canadians and some other nationalities who arrived on the 2 catamarans yesterday were housed in a number of local hotels and they will be making their own arrangements to travel back home. I went into Valletta this morning and I could see quite a few of them browsing around and sightseeing.
A visit to the airport later revealed that one massive China Eastern Airlines - A343 jet was already waiting to pick up some of the people on the "Roma". As I was there a second Eastern Airlines jet landed and parked next to it (see pictures below)
It has been reported that some 1,600 of the 2,200 Chinese who arrived in Malta this morning are expected to be put on flights home by tonight. Quite an amazing feat for the Chinese Government to have coordinated this considering China is not exactly next door!
On a shorter trip back home will also be 90 of the 250 Britons who arrived on the HMS Cumberland last night, the rest are taking a break here.
The Americans, Canadians and some other nationalities who arrived on the 2 catamarans yesterday were housed in a number of local hotels and they will be making their own arrangements to travel back home. I went into Valletta this morning and I could see quite a few of them browsing around and sightseeing.
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Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has raised strong objections to imposing sanctions on Libya, saying innocent people would suffer and accusing world powers of making "calculations" over oil. In a televised public speech that referred to the Libyan crisis he said, "Any intervention will make the process even more difficult. It will harm not the administration but the Libyan people. You cannot secure world peace by resorting to sanctions in each and every incident."
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the internation community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the internation community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
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Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has raised strong objections to imposing sanctions on Libya, saying innocent people would suffer and accusing world powers of making "calculations" over oil. In a televised public speech that referred to the Libyan crisis he said, "Any intervention will make the process even more difficult. It will harm not the administration but the Libyan people. You cannot secure world peace by resorting to sanctions in each and every incident."
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the internation community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the internation community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
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Another unrelated but interesting piece of news is that Gaddafi's 'voluptuous' Ukrainian nurse is 'heading home'. While this sounds normal under the circumstances it must be noted that Galyna Kolotnytska has been in Tripoli for the last 9 years and it is reported that Gaddafi has a high dependency on this particular nurse as she caters for the Leader's health and well-being - poor sod, I almost feel sorry for him!
The news was given by her daughter Tatyana who released an interview to a local Ukrainian daily. She stated that her mother called her and told her that there is shooting, fighting and everything else they show on television. Speaking in a calm voice, her mother asked her not to worry, and said she will be home soon.
The news was given by her daughter Tatyana who released an interview to a local Ukrainian daily. She stated that her mother called her and told her that there is shooting, fighting and everything else they show on television. Speaking in a calm voice, her mother asked her not to worry, and said she will be home soon.
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zeus911: Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the international community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
"We call on the international community to approach Libya not with concerns about oil but with conscience, justice and universal human values," he said, adding that the international community should work for a remedy to stop the suffering of the Libyan people.
Well I'd rather have him gone with a stipend than not.... why is it always about the money first? And who will hold the checkbook, Wall St.? Better to have Europe drop food supplies as I hear they're running low...
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zeus911: Following my visit to the docks to snap a pic of HMS York this afternoon, I made my way to where the "Roma" was berthed. From the dock I could see loads of Chinese nationals on the upper decks, in all it is reported to be holding around 2,200 persons. The chinese had to stay aboard the ship as they did not seek any accomodation on the island, though their stay aboard should not offer any hardships since the "Roma" looks like a pretty nice cruise liner.
A visit to the airport later revealed that one massive China Eastern Airlines - A343 jet was already waiting to pick up some of the people on the "Roma". As I was there a second Eastern Airlines jet landed and parked next to it (see pictures below)
It has been reported that some 1,600 of the 2,200 Chinese who arrived in Malta this morning are expected to be put on flights home by tonight. Quite an amazing feat for the Chinese Government to have coordinated this considering China is not exactly next door!
On a shorter trip back home will also be 90 of the 250 Britons who arrived on the HMS Cumberland last night, the rest are taking a break here.
The Americans, Canadians and some other nationalities who arrived on the 2 catamarans yesterday were housed in a number of local hotels and they will be making their own arrangements to travel back home. I went into Valletta this morning and I could see quite a few of them browsing around and sightseeing.
A visit to the airport later revealed that one massive China Eastern Airlines - A343 jet was already waiting to pick up some of the people on the "Roma". As I was there a second Eastern Airlines jet landed and parked next to it (see pictures below)
It has been reported that some 1,600 of the 2,200 Chinese who arrived in Malta this morning are expected to be put on flights home by tonight. Quite an amazing feat for the Chinese Government to have coordinated this considering China is not exactly next door!
On a shorter trip back home will also be 90 of the 250 Britons who arrived on the HMS Cumberland last night, the rest are taking a break here.
The Americans, Canadians and some other nationalities who arrived on the 2 catamarans yesterday were housed in a number of local hotels and they will be making their own arrangements to travel back home. I went into Valletta this morning and I could see quite a few of them browsing around and sightseeing.
For the Chineese, that IS impressive!
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Colleene1024: For the Chineese, that IS impressive!
You cant beat the speed of a chinese take-away!------ This thread is Archived ------
zeus911: Another unrelated but interesting piece of news is that Gaddafi's 'voluptuous' Ukrainian nurse is 'heading home'. While this sounds normal under the circumstances it must be noted that Galyna Kolotnytska has been in Tripoli for the last 9 years and it is reported that Gaddafi has a high dependency on this particular nurse as she caters for the Leader's health and well-being - poor sod, I almost feel sorry for him!
The news was given by her daughter Tatyana who released an interview to a local Ukrainian daily. She stated that her mother called her and told her that there is shooting, fighting and everything else they show on television. Speaking in a calm voice, her mother asked her not to worry, and said she will be home soon.
The news was given by her daughter Tatyana who released an interview to a local Ukrainian daily. She stated that her mother called her and told her that there is shooting, fighting and everything else they show on television. Speaking in a calm voice, her mother asked her not to worry, and said she will be home soon.
Good for her! I'm glad she's leaving the Auld Sod!
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GADDAFI ARMING CIVILIANS: Residents of Tripoli have said that Muammar Gaddafi is arming civilian supporters in strategic parts of the city, as well as moving gangs, to control movement and silence protesters.
Just yesterday, February 25, during an address to a crowd of supporters in Green Square, Gaddafi had said he would do just that while telling his remaining faithful listeners that they had to prepare to defend the nation as he faced the biggest challenge to his rule. Apparently today he kept strong on his promise.
This seems to be in retaliation to another move in Benghazi over the last days where the citizens in control had decided to distribute captured weapons to citizen in a plan to march on Tripoli.
The reports came a day after Gaddafi’s militiamen opened fire on protesters demanding that Gaddafi step down killing many. A report which was however declared as false by Gaddafi's son Saif al Islam in a Tripoli press conference yesterday. He also declared all reports about atrocities and attacks on civilians as lies and fabrications.
Just yesterday, February 25, during an address to a crowd of supporters in Green Square, Gaddafi had said he would do just that while telling his remaining faithful listeners that they had to prepare to defend the nation as he faced the biggest challenge to his rule. Apparently today he kept strong on his promise.
This seems to be in retaliation to another move in Benghazi over the last days where the citizens in control had decided to distribute captured weapons to citizen in a plan to march on Tripoli.
The reports came a day after Gaddafi’s militiamen opened fire on protesters demanding that Gaddafi step down killing many. A report which was however declared as false by Gaddafi's son Saif al Islam in a Tripoli press conference yesterday. He also declared all reports about atrocities and attacks on civilians as lies and fabrications.
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time4fun4u: You cant beat the speed of a chinese take-away!
If the food isn't good I can!
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zeus911: GADDAFI ARMING CIVILIANS: Residents of Tripoli have said that Muammar Gaddafi is arming civilian supporters in strategic parts of the city, as well as moving gangs, to control movement and silence protesters.
Just yesterday, February 25, during an address to a crowd of supporters in Green Square, Gaddafi had said he would do just that while telling his remaining faithful listeners that they had to prepare to defend the nation as he faced the biggest challenge to his rule. Apparently today he kept strong on his promise.
This seems to be in retaliation to another move in Benghazi over the last days where the citizens in control had decided to distribute captured weapons to citizen in a plan to march on Tripoli.
The reports came a day after Gaddafi’s militiamen opened fire on protesters demanding that Gaddafi step down killing many. A report which was however declared as false by Gaddafi's son Saif al Islam in a Tripoli press conference yesterday. He also declared all reports about atrocities and attacks on civilians as lies and fabrications.
Another bloodbath coming.Just yesterday, February 25, during an address to a crowd of supporters in Green Square, Gaddafi had said he would do just that while telling his remaining faithful listeners that they had to prepare to defend the nation as he faced the biggest challenge to his rule. Apparently today he kept strong on his promise.
This seems to be in retaliation to another move in Benghazi over the last days where the citizens in control had decided to distribute captured weapons to citizen in a plan to march on Tripoli.
The reports came a day after Gaddafi’s militiamen opened fire on protesters demanding that Gaddafi step down killing many. A report which was however declared as false by Gaddafi's son Saif al Islam in a Tripoli press conference yesterday. He also declared all reports about atrocities and attacks on civilians as lies and fabrications.
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Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08am GMT Print | Single Page Text
Feb 26 (Reuters) -
BRITAIN: Britain was drawing up plans to pull out British oil workers stranded in desert camps, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday. Six flights had left Libya in the past 24 hours carrying Britons, and the frigate HMS Cumberland had evacuated Britons and other foreigners from Benghazi, he said.
CANADA: Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said on Thursday nearly 200 Canadians had been, or were about to be, evacuated on planes and ships arranged by other nations. He said a C-17 military transport plane with 156 seats was on its way to Italy from Germany and would fly to Tripoli as soon as Libyan authorities gave permission.
CHINA: China has evacuated 12,000, or about one-third, of its citizens, many of them workers for Chinese-run projects, official media said on Friday.
CROATIA: Croatia said 28 Croatian workers have left Benghazi on an Italian military ship bound for Malta. A plane from Zagreb landed in Tripoli and Croatian officials were trying to reach the remaining workers at three different sites. There are around 125 Croat workers still in Libya.
GERMANY: Military sources have said Germany is sending three ships to the Libyan coast to help evacuate German citizens. The military is sending a supply vessel "Berlin" and the frigates "Brandenburg" and "Rheinland-Pfalz", with about 600 soldiers aboard. They are currently anchored off Valetta.
GREECE: Greece has evacuated 227 Greeks and Cypriots from Tripoli and Sabha in Libya aboard three C-130 military aircraft. It has also sent two frigates to waters off Libya and the Greek island of Crete.
IRELAND: Ireland is to try again to get a plane back to Tripoli. Irish media said an Irish air force plane returned to Malta from Tripoli with no passengers on board. There are around 70 Irish people in Libya, 54 of them Tripoli.
ITALY: Italy's foreign ministry said it planned to send a C130 aircraft on Friday to evacuate remaining Italians in Libya. A naval operation was underway to evacuate 150 Italians in Misrata and another 1,100 have left Libya in the last few days. The rest were expected back within the next 48 hours.
NETHERLANDS: The Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday 50 Dutch nationals remained in Libya, 25 of whom were looking to leave. However, communication with them was tough and sometimes impossible as they were spread out throughout the country.
SPAIN: A Spanish armed forces plane carrying 124 people evacuated from Tripoli, landed in Madrid on Friday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. The evacuees included 40 Spaniards as well as Mexican, British, Canadian and Portuguese nationals. Spain is planning the evacuation of a small number of Spaniards from outside Tripoli, the spokesman said.
TURKEY: Libyan authorities declined permission for some 250 Turks to cross the border into Tunisia late on Thursday. Turkey has evacuated 8,360 of its citizens on two ships and 26 planes, the prime minister's office said. It was sending a further 12 planes to Libya on Friday, including eight military aircraft.
-- A military ship with a capacity of 1,500 passengers is expected to set sail on Friday from Benghazi for Marmaris in southwest Turkey. Two ferries with a total capacity of 2,000 passengers were en route for Libya, carrying food supplies and security and health personnel.
UNITED STATES: A U.S.-chartered ferry, Maria Dolores, carrying more than 300 passengers, more than half of them U.S. citizens, arrived in Malta after being delayed by high winds and choppy seas. Another catamaran carrying more U.S. citizens was due to dock later in the day.
-- Separately, the State Department said a chartered aircraft would leave a Tripoli airfield on Friday for Istanbul.