Libyan plane brought pilots to Malta to return jets

A Libyan Arab Airlines plane refused permission to land in Malta this week was carrying pilots to fly back to Libya two fighter jets flown to the island by defecting pilots, Malta's premier said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told a press conference that Malta had rejected a Libyan government request to return the Mirage fighter jets, flown to Malta last Monday. They remain under armed guard at Malta airport. (Reuters)