Malta contributes financially towards EU mission in Gaza

Malta has decided against sending any police or military personnel to join a new EU mission supervising the border between Gaza and Egypt and instead opted to contribute financially.

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo told his colleagues in Brussels on Monday that Malta will be forking out €45,000 (Lm20,000) towards the operating costs of the mission as a sign of support towards the EU and the Middle East process.

The EU mission consists of about 60 policemen and Customs officials from various EU member states who will monitor the border crossing of Rafah, between Egypt and Gaza.

This will be the first EU security mission in the Middle East.

The crossing between Gaza and Egypt is one of the main causes of disagreement between Israel and the Palestinians as according to Israel the crossing is characterised by weapons smuggling and uncontrolled passage of Palestinian fighters since Israel pulled out of Gaza this summer.

Speaking to The Times, Dr Frendo said Malta wanted to offer its financial assistance as a further sign of commitment towards this important peace process. Malta was not in a position to send any military personnel to the mission as timeframes were too short and because of security constraints back home. However, Malta's financial contribution is substantial even when compared to "bigger" member states, he said.

Malta will be reinforcing its presence in the area by deploying a diplomatic representation in both Tel Aviv and Ramallah.