EU seeking Libyan cooperation on patrols

The European Union is waiting for an answer from the authorities on a request made by the EU borders agency Frontex for Tripoli to cooperate before the introduction of EU surveillance patrols off the coasts of Libya and Malta aimed at fighting illegal immigration.

Commission sources told The Times yesterday the request was made over the past weeks.

"We expect Libya to cooperate with our operations especially in view of the special and friendly relations that have always existed between Malta and Libya. A positive response by the Libyan government will obviously be considered as tangible help to Malta and other Mediterranean countries in coping with the influx of illegal immigrants," the sources said.

Asked to specify why the EU was seeking such a commitment to collaboration by Libya over the patrols, the sources said this was essential for the success of the operations. However, they added the patrols will still take place if Libya does not reply.

"We are waiting for the Libyans to respond as their cooperation is considered as giving added value to our efforts. We have not decided yet on a date when to start the operations but we have clear ideas."

One of the main intentions of the patrols was to stop organised human traffickers leaving Libyan waters with boats full of illegal immigrants. "Our intention is to stop these boats immediately and send them back to their point of departure. It is obvious we would need Libya to accept these illegal immigrants back and to take action against the traffickers. Libya has the opportunity to show the EU that it means business when it says it wants to cooperate in the fight against illegal immigration."

Following discussions held in Malta between Frontex officials, the Maltese authorities and six member states that have pledged vessels and planes for the joint patrols, it was decided that five missions will be held this summer in the Mediterranean. However, no dates have yet been set.

The problems faced by Malta as a result of illegal immigration were again raised at EU level on Thursday.

During an EU ambassadors' meeting in Brussels, Malta's Permanent Representative, Richard Cachia Caruana, referred to the violent incidents involving illegal immigrants this week and to the over 300 new arrivals, insisting that the island needs action from the EU on this matter.

He acknowledged that progress has been achieved over the past weeks and asked the EU to ensure Malta and other countries facing similar problems are given tangible help.