More illegal immigrants arrive
Another boat-load of illegal immigrants were escorted to Wied il-Buni berth at Birżebbuġa by an Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat yesterday. The boat, carrying 24 men and three women, was intercepted off Għar Ħasan just before 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, a search for another boat in distress reportedly carrying 28 illegal immigrants about 70 miles off Malta over the past two days had so far proved unsuccessful, an AFM spokesman said.
The spokesman said the alert was given when, apparently, someone at the open centre for immigrants in Marsa was contacted by phone from people on the boat claiming they were in distress but giving no location. Efforts by the AFM to return the call were unsuccessful and the Frontex patrol was alerted.
On Wednesday, a German Puma helicopter taking part in the Frontex border patrol mission conducted a search for the boat but the searches had yielded nothing.
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M . Mereica
May 24th 2008, 19:36
Attn:Frank Camilleri
I am very glad to find someone ready to converse rationally.
Far from being cynical or offensive. This is a serious issue and must be treated rationally- Agreed. But we must not ignore the fact that using certain words RECKLESSLY do no good – provide no suggestions - create tension among population.
For the sake of seeking a rational answer “I will forget about the historical facts behind this thorny issue of immigrants” and I will only talk future- Does the European Union ( of course including Malta) in dire need for Immigrants? Yes or No? Answering this simple question would rationally direct further talk on the whole issue.
Frank Camilleri
May 24th 2008, 10:14
To Mr M. Mercieca
I hate being cynical and offensive but for the sake of truth I have to admit that it is your comment that is is simply 'bla bla bla'.
The majority of the Maltese population rightly believe and face the reality of the negative impact brought about by illegal immigration.
Being rational is not being a racist.
As for demanding us rationalists to 'shut up' makes your comment even more pathetic and childishly dictatorial. It is simply pathetic to close your eyes and ears to the reality of what is happening daily around us.
Mr Mercieca, describes illegal immigration as 'the issue of no issue'. This implies that Mr. Mercieca believes that illegal immigration is an issue after all!!
Illegal immigration is a dangeruous issue and both political parties,as representatives of the people, are duty bound to face it for sake of the well being and secure future of our own children.
M. Mercieca
May 23rd 2008, 17:20
We are in Malta not in Italy - When the Maltese people go for general election they are programmed into 2 colors. Unless the software of this programming is decoded every thing would remain the same.
We will only be hearing words such as – immigrant will change our culture - invasion – taking our money – taking tax payers money - terrorists – bla bla bla - You may hear others say that, but in general election we have more serious issues... this simply means immigrant is the issue of no issue in Malta. I would only say one thing - racists cloak with patriotism should shut up and stop using continues techniques which only add fuel – increases tension but never provide a solution.
joanne micallef
May 23rd 2008, 16:00
And this is only the begining. With all that is going on in Italy re the illegal immigration front we should expect our numbers to rise astronomically.
John Azzopardi
May 23rd 2008, 11:37
They keep coming and coming even though Frontex is out there. I sometimes wonder how effective Frontex really is. Also, what do police investigations really turn up. We never really here about them. Finally, I am sure that there ar ringleaders in Malta in trafficing of illegal immigrants. How come they are rarely caught.