MP calls for explanation on joint patrols

Malta should continue to insist on the earliest possible EU joint patrols to help stem the inflow of illegal immigrants, but the absence of an agreement on repatriation of migrants to Libya could badly affect the extent to which such patrols would ease Malta's immigration problem, opposition home affairs spokesman Gavin Gulia said in Parliament yesterday.

Speaking on the adjournment, he said the annual summer invasion of illegal immigrants was countenanced on two perspectives: internal security and international help for Malta to cope with the problem. He expressed satisfaction with the way Foreign Minister Michael Frendo had made more forceful declarations on the EU's lethargy to help but said that should have happened much sooner.

Dr Gulia said the illegal immigration problem had existed for a long time, but had escalated in the last four years. While one tried to use diplomatic language, there are times to call the bluff of those who manifestly were not ready to help.

The opposition was ready to extend its cooperation to the government. Indeed, it had, since 2004, been urging the government to put its feet down with the EU because Malta's problem was not being given enough attention. Expressions of sympathy and moral support were not enough.

The opposition was sceptical on what action the EU would take. It had been announced that the EU would next month announce when joint patrols would start. But that would be too late even if the patrols started in September.

Malta needed the same support as the EU had given Spain and the Canary Islands, and with the same alacrity. Was this all that Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini meant when he said he was doing his utmost to help Malta? This was a case of double standards if ever there was one.

Dr Gulia said joint patrols were important, but they would not solve the problem. Financial help was also important, but it effectively kept the problem in Malta by simply helping to build the infrastructure for immigrants and pay for repatriation flights.

Furthermore, the EU would probably issue regulations, such as limiting the time of detention to six months, thereby adding insult to injury. This would not be solving the problem for the countries on the periphery.

Dr Gulia said the issue of joint patrols should be carefully approached. The plan was that there would be patrols along the Northern African coast in order to curtail and discourage illegal migration.

The patrols were intended to be made with the country of origin so that any intercepted boats would be escorted back to their point of departure. Malta, however, had no repatriation agreement with Libya.

Once the immigrants entered Maltese waters the problem would still be Malta's.

Dr Gulia said he was therefore asking Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg or Foreign Minister Michael Frendo to explain Malta's position on joint patrols.