EU agency to discuss air, sea patrols with Malta

A high-level delegation from the EU's Border Control Agency (Frontex) will be visiting Malta next week to look into the problem of illegal immigration.

The delegation will discuss with the authorities the introduction of air and sea patrols to control this phenomenon.

This was announced yesterday following talks in Brussels between Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini.

Malta has already made an official request to the Commission to introduce - through Frontex - a surveillance patrol mission in the strait between Malta and North Africa this summer, similar to the one to be introduced near the Canary Islands, Dr Borg said.

In response to this request, Mr Frattini has ordered Frontex to send a delegation to Malta next week to discuss the introduction of such patrols.

"We have been insisting on this for the past weeks and Mr Frattini is very optimistic that this can also be arranged. We will be keeping up the pressure on the EU to achieve this target which can serve as a very effective deterrent in the fight against illegal immigration."

Dr Borg discussed with Mr Frattini the pledge made earlier this year by the Commission to dedicate emergency funds to assist countries affected by sudden influxes of illegal immigrants.

The Commission has just approved the allocation of €2.7 million to be used for this purpose.

Earlier this week, Frontex announced it would help Spain patrol Africa's northern Atlantic coast, from where open boats loaded with illegal immigrants have been leaving for the Canary Islands.

As from next week five patrol boats, five helicopters, and an airplane will attempt to intercept the boats sailing from Mauritania, Senegal, and Cape Verde.

Finland, France, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Austria have agreed to take part in this mission.