Army to take part in FRONTEX border control missions

Maltese soldiers are expected to participate in the FRONTEX-led border control operations in the Aegean Sea, shortly.

This was announced yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary, Tony Abela, while addressing about 30 AFM Bandsmen who were flying out to Brussels to take part in the Tattoo Militaire International 2007, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome today.

Malta has been invited, like other EU member states, to participate in the Poseidon combined operation, along the Aegean's land and sea border.   The aim of this effort is to combat illegal migration.

The army participation will consist of a number of soldiers from 1st regiment's C (Special Duties) Company, who will be deployed for a short period of time and will be operating in conjunction with Greek forces and forces from other participating countries.

The AFM band will perform, together with other EU member states' military bands, at the Tattoo Militaire International 2007 at the Cinquantenaire Esplanade Area.

This annual Belgian festival of military music will feature brass bands from the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Lithuania, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Malta and Cyprus.

Various chiefs of defence of EU member states, including the Commander of the AFM, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, will be present.