The Maltese Green member of the Italian Parliament, Arnold Cassola, has proposed that Italy should take an active role in seeking a Common European Policy on immigration.

Prof. Cassola said it was very important for Italy to actively seek a common immigration policy with the involvement of all EU member states.

The starting point of such a policy had to be the humanitarian aspect to the problem. It must also be tough on those involved in human trafficking. He said that in order to prevent irregular migration one had to contribute towards the possibility of creating jobs for such people in their country of origin.

He stressed the importance of the involvement of non-governmental organisations and civil society, especially in people-to-people projects involving international cooperation.

"Making people of different ethnic origins work together is an excellent medium to create mutual trust and to promote confidence building. Conflicts can be prevented in this way as well," Prof. Cassola said.