Clinton in Malta for Talks with PM over Libya

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton thanked Malta for evacuating U.S. nationals from Libya at the start of the rebellion against Moammar Gadhafi during a visit to the island state on Tuesday.

The Maltese government "went the extra mile" to evacuate foreign nationals, Clinton said following talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Thousands of foreign nationals -- many of them migrant workers from Asia -- fled to Malta in February and March as civil unrest began sweeping the country, including 35 U.S. diplomats and their families evacuated on February 25.

Clinton said Malta was playing "a critical role" in helping Libya establish the rule of law and form an inclusive government to represent all Libyans.

Gonzi hailed the "transformation" taking place in North Africa.

"These are historic events to which Malta is contributing to the best of its abilities. The violence that erupted in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, we all hope will lead to more democracy in these countries," he said.

He said Malta and the United States were "on the same wavelength" on regional policy.

Clinton arrived overnight and was met by Maltese Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.

The Mediterranean island state, the closest European country to Libya, has been a center for humanitarian aid efforts and the evacuation of foreign diplomats and workers from the strife-torn country.

Malta recognized the National Transitional Council as the legitimate government of the Libyan people on August 23.