Italy pledges joint patrols in Med

Italy has given its full commitment to carry out joint patrols in the Mediterranean, as Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Lawrence Gonzi yesterday tried to map out a solution to the problem of illegal immigration.

The main thrust of a one-hour discussion at Palazzo Chigi, in Rome, is that both Malta and Italy are facing a huge problem with the flow of migrants, a problem that needs to be addressed at different levels.

Despite the apparent goodwill from all sides, however, there seems to be little concrete action on the ground for the time being.

The EU is proposing a series of joint sea patrols, through Frontex, in a bid to stop the overwhelming number of migrants from Africa trying to reach Europe.

Dr Gonzi expressed concern with Prof. Prodi that the introduction of the joint patrols near the Canary Islands shortly could very well mean that the problem could become even more exacerbated in the central Mediterranean area. This means that the monitoring missions close to Malta need to start as soon as possible, Dr Gonzi argued.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of trying to find solutions that are acceptable to all the countries involved.

"Let's remember that Libya is also facing a big problem and we, therefore, need programmes that are tailored to the needs of all countries... If there's a country which understands our problem it's Italy," he said.

Asked whether he had given up on seeing Libya involve itself to stem the flow of migrants from its shores, Dr Gonzi's response was immediate: "No, I have not."

Despite claims that Libya was being uncooperative, both prime ministers said they were confident they could strike an agreement, which would be acceptable to all sides.

"The discussion with Libya needs to continue both on a bilateral and on a multilateral level, through the EU. This has become an urgent problem," Prof. Prodi told a news conference.

Prof. Prodi skirted a question by The Times whether Italy could somewhat assist Malta in drawing up a repatriation agreement similar to the one between Rome and Tripoli.

"We need to continue discussing with Libya and we need to better our bilateral relations but what we really need is a Mediterranean policy. This is a priority for both governments and it's not a problem exclusive to Italy and Malta but for all Mediterranean countries, including North Africa.

"We must therefore start the patrols not only to help Malta, but to solve the problem once and for all," Prof. Prodi said.

Dr Gonzi informed the Italian Prime Minister that Malta intends linking its electricity grid to Sicily, and that technical discussions on the matter would start as soon as possible.

Asked for his reaction to Enemalta's plans, Prof. Prodi replied: "We are not only ready but eager to start off with this proposal. The geographical distance means this is the best option for Malta."

Dr Gonzi was accompanied by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo.