Medicins Sans Frontiers to assist Malta deal with migrants

Corinne Vella

Aug 3rd 2008, 21:06

Isaac Zarb: Here's what I said: "I. M. Dingli and all others of the same mindset: The difference between your position and mine is that you think migration is a problem in a vacuum." Which 'big word' didn't you understand?

Isaac Zarb

Jul 31st 2008, 10:12

Dear Corinne Vella, please stop using big words to impress the nation, trying to deviate attention to where the real problem lies, Have you ever traveled for free without a visa or passport, and on arrival got medical attention plus a nice comfy bed to sleep in, while here i am paying taxes, so fair isn't it, if you think this is so unfair, why don't you then take them all in your home? and pay for their food clothing and entertainment, then we can continue to pay our taxes for things that matter such as our roads or better living. The Maltese Nation needs to wake up, this is a hostile takeover not only on our land but on the very basic way or our life.

Mr Louis Sinagra Very Well said...

Corinne Vella

Jul 30th 2008, 21:45

I. M. Dingli and all others of the same mindset: The difference between your position and mine is that you think migration is a problem in a vacuum.

john fenech

Jul 30th 2008, 12:59

Laurence while I do not subscribe to your idea of compassion nowhere in my comments did I imply that the illegal immigrants should be mistreated. I posted three comments to this article and in all of them I put facts or ventured the possible consequences arising from this phenomenon. So don’t call me a racist because I see the problem from another perspective.

On the other hand I will insist that the EU countries, (the rich people) should own up to their obligation to assist Malta to help the illegal immigrants.

I wish to show my appreciation to MST for their sterling work in the war torn and endemic diseased countries

Franco Farrugia

Jul 30th 2008, 12:14

@ Laurence Schembri - I hereby challenge you to mention me by name and call me a racist so that I will take legal action against you!

F. Camilleri

Jul 30th 2008, 11:03

@ Laurence Schembri
Laurence, NOW you are convincing me that UNKNOWINGLY you are confusing the issue. Our small island cannot accommodate a constant influx of ILLEGAL immigrants.

This situation is running out of our hand, posing a grave potential danger which perhaps, (in spite of your good intentions), you are not realising.

This issue Laurence is unfortunately causing a division amongst us Maltese. The comments, (including mine) are showing a sharp rise in intolerance towards each other.

This is dangerous, because being divided amongst ourselves may encourage ILLEGAL immigrants to join forces encouraging them to try to take for keeps what is LEGALLY ours.

I agree with you that ‘the rich world does owe these people a living’ but MALTA cannot bear this burden ALONE. Laurence realise that:
i. our country is not rich and physically large enough,
ii. we have Maltese people living on the borderline of poverty too,
iii. this duty must be PROPORTIONALLY shared by the other EU states if the EU
merits the title ‘UNION.’

The issue is NOT a racist one; it is a PRACTICAL, RATIONAL LOGISTIC issue from which our ‘leaders’ are avoiding rather than protecting our island and us AS THEIR DUTY DEMANDS.

Sandro Galea

Jul 30th 2008, 01:48

A few days ago, PM Gonzi, Dr. Joseph Muscat and Archbishop Cremona took part in a national fund raising marathon Ohloq Tbissima to raise funds for the Missionary Society of St. Paul.

I was struck by PM Gonzi’s audacity when in his short appeal, he strongly argued that the true meaning of solidarity is seen through actions. "The true test of helping others smile is actually doing something to help them smile," he said. The Prime Minister spoke about the immigrants who arrived a few days earlier, which included a pregnant woman and young children. "The true test is helping those who are going through a difficult time – are we capable of this?" said Dr Gonzi.

PM Gonzi’s appeal is not politically popular as is evident by most comments on this blog. In fact, neither Dr. Joseph Muscat nor Archbishop Cremona elaborated on the same unpopular topic.

But I am glad that my Prime Minister has, to date, consistently chose the road less travelled of humanity, compassion, common sense, solidarity, and realism, in addressing the challenge of illegal migration into Malta.

Louis Sinagra

Jul 30th 2008, 00:51

This is not Racism but Patriotism . The maltese public will rightly so have a go at these people as now the sittuation has got out of hand . It is nothing to do about colour and the same will be said if the situation was from other destinations with diffrent colour. Remember some 20 odd years ago we were going to be invaded by the Albanians crossing on ships . They were sent back staight away , the never came back and the same should be done to thes illegal immigrants .They have no respect whatsoever .civilised people don't go into other people's propery without identification .The more we let this situation drag on we are offending the memory of those patriots that died to keep this mighty nation free in two Graet sieges . VIVA MALTA U IL MALTIN

F. Camilleri

Jul 29th 2008, 22:10

@ Sandro Pace
An excellently well-keyed in comment to which most readers appreciate and agree.

@Franco Farrugia
What you keyed in is very true.

Do not give a euro cent to those who call you racist.
They are an indoctrinated bunch trying to make you shut up. Probably it is not their fault; we must help them see reality through reason.
Being aware and accepting the fact of the bizarre reality of ILLEGAL immigration is not being racist but rather being practical and rational.

Re SHE who pretends to be Ms Know-all, looking down on everybody: simply ignore her comments as I do. Thankfully, she is no longer writing for 'The Times.'

@Laurence Schembri
You are KNOWINGLY trying to confuse the issue, so I will not bother to comment.

@ L. Galea
I completely agree with you.

However:
i. Dr Pair of Strong Hands used them simply to win the election.
ii. DR. Ambition is not much better. He absented himself when an important
vote re this issue was taken in the EU parliament. His two colleagues abstained!!

Prime Minister Sig. BERLUSCONI, has shown REAL STRONG PAIR OF HANDS and what a REAL PM SHOULD BE.

Janice Cassar

Jul 29th 2008, 22:01

For those who asked, I advocate for the following:

1) Keep insisting with the EU on burden-sharing
2) Keep pushing for repatriation for failed asylum seekers to alternative countries if need be
3) Entice failed asylum seekers to return to their homeland by paying them in kind to set up their own business back home (it would work out cheaper in the long term)
4) Loosen the criteria for eligibility for refugee status or humanitarian assistance (that would make more immigrants eligible to obtain travel documents ---> which would open the door towards mainland Europe for them ---> which is after all their ultimate goal)
5) Keep pushing the EU to pressure Libya into taking concrete steps in stopping the boats from leaving its shores.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Jul 29th 2008, 21:41

Just a thought - has anyone given a few moments' thought as to what anyone can really do about this? Short of acting like Lowellian thugs and shooting people on the beaches or - pull the other one - blockading many hundreds of miles of North African coast or letting people drown, what the hell is the solution? Stamping our feet and shouting at Europe, fine, let's do that, but in the meantime, for pity's sake, stop whining.

Luke gatt

Jul 29th 2008, 21:30

Please, Maltese citizens accept this. Most of us are racist. We do not like the idea of our children going out with black people. The only way forward is to obtain all the money forntex has and in turn this is given to the afm which turn will invest in its maritime squadron and act as a deterrent and stop these people form entering our waters. Malta also needs to has a national policy on immigrants which right now we do not have.

Sandro Pace

Jul 29th 2008, 21:20

@ Mr. J. Briffa

You cannot give what you have not...ie land. It's scarce, and giving land goes beyond voluntary charity. It becomes a political thing, settlements, and all that stuff. Which is most of the problems in the world, not least the middle east.

So now even the prime minister is a spoilt brat for saying that this is a major problem. Naivity apart, charity cannot be forced on a nation. We are not being asked, but forced.

John Azzopardi

Jul 29th 2008, 21:08

Let get serious on these illegals. Illegals are illegals period. They are involved in breaking the law due to human trafficking and that is also against the 3rd EU directive. Enough is enough. Malta and Maltese cannot continue to handle this influx. Is this why the thousands of Maltese left in 50's 60's and 70's. So that we make way for these illegals. Shame on the Maltese government for allowing this.

J.Camenzuli

Jul 29th 2008, 20:49

@Laurence Schembri

If you are infavour for them to come illegally - I say feed them yourself and put them up for the night or till they are repatriated. In other words take them off the State handout. That way the government will have more cash for the maltese unemployed and pensioners

Joseph E Briffa

Jul 29th 2008, 20:38

Barring a few priests and laypersons who go to Africa, India or S America the Maltese always expected help from other nations. It seems as if we have a God-given right to expect to be given, but not to give. This is the first time in our history we are being asked to give. I recognise the sacifice we have to make; let's admit it we don't like Blacks although we adore the blondes. We consider ourselves Christians but our charity seldom goes beyond donating money . Actually helping other people is not in our culture. We are spoilt brats who have been having it so good. The Maltese amassed considerable amounts of money; some Eur5 billion are in our banks; Eur12 000 per capita, we are comfortably off and our quality of life has never been better, so we can afford to donate to charity. But when it comes to anything beyond that, only a few are prepared to help. The boatpeople can't be allowed to drown, they can't be repatriated. We should keep insisting on burden-sharing but in the meantime we have to help these people who are here in the hope of leading a better life.

john fenech

Jul 29th 2008, 20:34

The problem that Malta is facing has nothing to do with civilised behaviour or racism. It is the same phenomenon faced by most of main land Europe. The argument is not if we should help, but who is going to help us to help them.

I was trawling through the EU autumn agenda would you believe that help to the African countries wasn’t mentioned even once!

So please those who wish to have some fun and turn the argument on its head feel free to do so, that is your privilege, in a civilised society.

Sandro Pace

Jul 29th 2008, 20:26

What I cannot understand is why people 'accept' that nothing can be done, as if Malta is infinite, or that we should be at the mercy of Libya or the EU. The facts are undeniable:

1) The current rate is unsustainable
2) One can reduce influx, yes, by abdicating from responsability at sea
3) One can reduce the burden, by speedily, aiding them to move to the mainland.

Now, of course, given the state of affairs, I prefer 3. It is not that we are breaking any nuclear convention or building a nuclear site. We will be breaking conventions to defend ourselves against irrationality. As IM DINGLI said, we signed those conventions voluntarily and out of good faith. And not to be abused with them.

In all countries in the world, when domestic laws are being abused, their lawmakers change them and take action. In this case, being of an international nature, no one is willing, cause Malta is a comfortable buffer. So we will have to change them ourselves, unilaterally. Burdening them on Europe will not jeopardise them.

One can repeat adnauseum that there is no solution. Unfortunately, it will further increase the hostility towards them, cause its impossible.

R.Curmi

Jul 29th 2008, 19:40

lawrence schembri: We had enough of this kind of talk. We don’t give a toss if they are black, white, yellow or brown. Whoever comes in a country ILLIGALLY will have to be stopped. This is a huge problem our children are going to face in the near future and it will have to stop. Drastic measures have to be taken today or tomorrow whether you like it or not. When the Albanians were invading Italy no one called the Italians racist because they where taking drastic measures against white skin people, so cut the old crap.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 19:39

@ Laurence Schembri - Nobody can and nobody will call me racist again.

I would have said the very same thing had it been hundreds of ... Russians, Ukrainians, ... even French, whatever.
What I am saying, if only you had the means of basic comprehension, is that facts are showing that we are receiving FAR TOO MANY immigrants to our shores and that contrary to normal tourists, these immigrants cannot fend for themselves, will be at the mercy of our decrepit finances rather than contributing, and that there is no way of these people leaving our shores - neither returning south, nor going on north!
Now that has nothing to do with skin colour. It's just a question of multitudes invading our shores and our ineptness at controlling the situation. We are becoming a sitting duck!

Joanne Micallef

Jul 29th 2008, 19:17

@Laurence Cassar - Skin colour has got nothing to do with this, if anything it's a cultural issue rather than a 'colour' one. Anyway you are missing the whole point, we are talking about ILLEGAL immigrants, people who entered our shores ILLEGALLY most of them on false pretences too. See only a tiny percentage of those that make it here are genuine refugees see link to confirm fact http://www.pq.gov.mt/PQweb.nsf/10491c99ee75af51c12568730034d5ee/c1256e7b003e1c2dc12572e3003349c3?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,refu%C4%A1jati

Latest figures are not out yet, last time the opposition asked, the minister in question gave no reply....follow links to confirm the facts.
http://www.pq.gov.mt/PQweb.nsf/10491c99ee75af51c12568730034d5ee/c1256e7b003e1c2dc12574830027c767?OpenDocument

This link shows how many arrived and how many where eventually sent back, now you do the math and see how many illegal immigrants we are still lumping even though they do not qualify for a refugee status.
http://www.pq.gov.mt/PQweb.nsf/10491c99ee75af51c12568730034d5ee/c1256e7b003e1c2dc12574860031fdce?OpenDocument

a.cassar

Jul 29th 2008, 19:11

@Lawrence Schembri. Surely you are not comparing tourists who arrive LEGALLY in Malta to the migrants (of whatever skin colour) who come in ILLEGALLY. If you are, then we are in much bigger trouble.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Jul 29th 2008, 19:04

What a lovely vision of civilised Malta certain commentators project. And then someone said racism doesn't exist here.

laurence schembri

Jul 29th 2008, 18:29

What a wonderful friendly nation we are, the English, Germans, French and the odds and ends that visit our shores for sun and plonk, they all say it.
Yet, as soon as the colour of the skin changes we are the biggest biggots, hypocritical and racist nation going.

a.cassar

Jul 29th 2008, 18:24

@ Janice Cassar.
" to send them back to Libya, you need Libya to agree to taking them back. As you know, this the last thing on Ghaddafi's wish list. He has not given in to similar pressures from Italy and you can rest assured that he will not give in to ours either." who said anything about taking them to Libya? We can take them to WITHIN 5 miles of Libya's territorial waters and point them towards the nearest land. If we are bound by international law to accept any migrants then so is Libya...or is Libya exempt? addafi says that it's not his problem. of course it isn't! it's ours and we have a right to find a solution. Our future is at stake here.

Rene Borg

Jul 29th 2008, 18:19

There is no way we can stop the boat people coming here and there is no way that Europe will accept burden sharing or to force Libya to accept the illegal immigrants back. Malta is small and powerless compared to Europe and Libya and it is not in our culture to leave desperate people without help. But to admit a snake (medicine sans frontiere) in your home is a mistake. We have to stop crying on the international arena and help these people in our small way.

L Galea

Jul 29th 2008, 17:55

What Italy and Berlusconi has implemenmted is nto being implemented in Malta.

The packet includes:

a PRISON sentence of between 6 months and 4 years for entry into Italian territory without identification;

Expropriation of all property whether sold to or let to illegal immigrants.

How about it Mr Pair of Strong Hands Prime Minister?

john fenech

Jul 29th 2008, 17:53

Corinnie, Janice et al, ask yourself what should the EU do for us. The Government had been trying to get meaningful assistant from the EU for the past four years. What did we get, Frontex, whom have admitted that they cannot solve Malta’s problem.

Please will you tell me how you see Malta in five years time, as I have said in a previous article (TOM 03/07) I have nothing against these people, but on the other hand I cannot support their case if this will be detrimental to my country?

While I am aware that illegal immigrants are arriving at several countries in Europe (Trans-Sahara Migration by: Hein de Haas) you have also to be aware that several countries agreed to introduce laws to forbid illegal immigration and hasten repatriation to point of origin. Is anyone thinking about sanctions against these countries?

One last point look at the difference, in resources, land area and population density of our country and that of G5 countries. By just comparing Malta’s average population density @ 1300per Km. It equates that for every 100 landing in mainland Europe is equal to 700 landing in Malta! Dr.S.Busutill has already elaborated this point.

I Abela

Jul 29th 2008, 17:51

Dear Janice and Corinne, are you some kind of asylum seekers lawyers? Instead of correcting and replying to other peoples posts, would you be kind enough to enlighten us with your very own thoughts about this HUGE problem which only you two don't seem to acknowledge? Please don't reply to my post by mentioning treaties and converntions and EU and Libya and colonisers and genocides etc etc etc. I am quite up to date on the subject so please save me the bull****. What we are facing is a national problem of gigantic proportions. For as long as this planet will exist, Africa will always be what it is today. So ILLEGAL immigrants came, they are coming, and they will keep on coming FOREVER. The treaties you mentioned where created to setup some common humanitatian policies. (Not Laws). Malta is a signatory, because it makes sense to offer some form of help to those who are really in trouble. But still, 3/4 of Africa is in trouble. So what do you suggest? Bring over all Africans who want a better life? cont....../

L Galea

Jul 29th 2008, 17:32

The only thing the MSF should do is to take them to France.

After all, their country was one of the colonizers of Africa who stole their natural resources and is continuing to do it through multinationals.

We never colonized them, so we have no responsibility towards the iLLEGAL immigrant.

The only responsibility that we have is towards OUR country to rid it and ourselves of these INVADERS.

Joanne Micallef

Jul 29th 2008, 17:26

Basically we're in this mess because in 1998 after the restart of negotiations on Malta's accession to the EU Malta HAD to ratify some of the outstanding articles of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. This because when in 1971 Dr Borg-Olivier as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs signed the instrument of accession to the Convention, as a true Patriot and a responsible Prime Minister he did so with some reservations to a number of important articles in the Convention on the grounds of Malta's "own special problems, its peculiar positions and characteristics.

Unfortunately since our Prime Minister at the time wanted to enter in the EU AT ALL COSTS, he gave in to the European's Commission demands and signed our country off. Too thank him for all of this we later elected him as our President.

Janice Cassar

Jul 29th 2008, 16:46

@ Corinne

Be my guest :-)

@ I.M Dingli

You are wrong... Italy, Greece, France, Spain are all lumped with the same problem. Actually the famous "pacchetto" that the Italian Government is now proposing to curb illegal immigration includes a set of measures that are already in effect in Malta - including our mandatory 18-month detention policy.

And how can you ignore the treaties and conventions signed in the past? Have you any idea of the consequences that Malta would face if it were to break even the tiniest clause in them? Are you prepared to face the sanctions that would be imposed on us and the tarnished image that our country would have to suffer from?

I. M. Dingli

Jul 29th 2008, 16:36

@ Corinne Vella

As always, you just comment on other people's opinion rather than formulate one of your own. And please give an indication of how we could at least alleviate the problem if not solve completely.

Corinne Vella

Jul 29th 2008, 16:24

John Fenech: This might interest you - http://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080728/world-news/humanitarian-crisis-at-greek-migrant-camp-msf/

Jean Gove`

Jul 29th 2008, 16:20

You say we can't stop them, but that's exactly what we do. Very few immigrant boats would be headed towards Malta, and they only find themselves here because our army is on orders to stop them, regardless of whether they need help or not, and reroute them to Malta. Malta with territorial waters, at least in this case, several hundred kilometres larger than its total area.

Who says that we have to have a burden-sharing agreement with Europe states to send immigrants there? Who's to stop a legal visa-holding immigrant from any European state? Besides which, the European states have not shown us a modicum of assistance, cooperation or even of sympathy. Why should we bind ourselves to cooperation with uncooperative states?

With regards to the article itself, the proposition of Medicins Sans Frontiers is preposterous, ridiculuous and surreal. Would someone please diverge from the usual immigration discussion that has cropped up and explain to us common folks what is exactly meant by "The assistance will focus primarily on the ... reproductive health of the immigrants"?

Thank you.

Corinne Vella

Jul 29th 2008, 16:20

Janice Cassar: Repetition clearly hasn't led to any understanding, so allow me the liberty of quoting you.

"We cannot stop them from coming in simply because those that come in usually do so after being rescued on the high seas. And as you know, we cannot refuse to assist them if they request assistance. Only a small proportion of them manage to reach our shores on their own steam. Giving them another vessel, fuel and supplies to continue on their journey towards Europe would mean breaching half a dozen conventions and treaties, to which Malta is signatory.

"Secondly, to send them on to Europe the member states need to agree on burden sharing, which is exactly the point that Malta has been making for the past year or so, and has only now been taken on board by the French Presidency.

"Thirdly, to send them back to Libya, you need Libya to agree to taking them back. As you know, this the last thing on Ghaddafi's wish list. He has not given in to similar pressures from Italy and you can rest assured that he will not give in to ours either."

Corinne Vella

Jul 29th 2008, 16:19

Denis Catania: Sexual and reproductive health is not 'how to make babies'. I hope that reassures you. If it doesn't, Medecins Sans Frontiers would probably put your mind at rest.

John Fenech: Ditto. Medecins Sans Frontiers isn't operative only in Malta.

N. Saliba: Let us hope they do not interfere with our policy on immigration'? I doubt Medecins Sans Frontiers have the time or inclination to do that. Why would it worry you anyway? You don't seem to keen on 'our' policy yourself.

Isaac Zarb: What we need is a large incoming shipment of brain cells for those who lack them.

J Farrugia: If you're planning to be dead one year from now, why are you worried about what happens in Malta after that?

Franco Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 16:14

So much for Frontex! What was the result of this exercise????
Tvfootage the other day showed a boat-load of immigrants coming in - a brand-new dinghy, not large enough to hold many people, but certainly there were nearly 100. Many of them were smiling and none of them needed medical assistance. What do YOU make of it?

All this is turning many of our best citizens into becoming racist.
Malta is too over-populated to keep these people here.
They will never integrate with our society - let's accept this fact, once and for all. The Maltese will not accept them. Notice the way they interrleate with the Maltese - the Maltese just ignore them, they won't even look at them. We have to accept this fact!

Another effect of all this is that people are slowly, slowly, taking it against the EU! No real help forthcoming, the Maltese are beginning to really believe that the EU has an agenda - that of using Malta as a barrier! We cannot afford to become the Lampedusa of mainland Europe.
So, dear Daphne, let me keep on being 'naive', as you call me. At least, I won't be harsh towards them for now.

I. M. Dingli

Jul 29th 2008, 16:12

@ Janice Cassar

Bottom line is that Libya, Europe (including Malta) do not want these persons, so how come we are the only ones who get to keep them within our territory?

Don't mention conventions and treaties since most of them have been signed years ago when this problem was almost inexistent. You can't abide to old, expired rules once the general scenario has changed completely.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 16:07

@ Daphne CG: Well, Daphne, I would rather be 'naive' than appear too harsh and destroy the little patience that I have left with regard to the no-win situation. I have always advocated restraint and never agreed with those who had nothing but harsh words and feelings towards these poor boatpeople.
But, there is a limit to everything and I don't really care two hoots if you write back to criticised me as well, now.
To continue allowing this influx of immigrants into our small country and leaving them here to rot, as they are doing now, or slowly, slowly, leaking them to roam freely in our streets, is not acceptable either.
We are also abusing of the patience of the Maltese people! In other words, we are provoking the sentiments of the people.
So, you yourself admit, that these immigrants are not going to move at all - that they are going to stay put. Where? How? With what? This is indeed bad. What do you, yourself, suggest?

Christopher Gingell Littlejohn

Jul 29th 2008, 16:07

We are so incapable of dealing with what remains a rather straightforward issue, one that has consistently made us a laughing stock of Europe with our ‘cry baby stance’ of ‘it’s not fair’, ‘we’re all dying of hunger’ bollocks, that Medicins Sans Frontiers are needed to alleviate the ‘burden’, thus, by default, relinquishing their invaluable service elsewhere, are we not ashamed ? Do we have no pride ?

Janice Cassar

Jul 29th 2008, 15:33

@ Franco Farrugia

We cannot stop them from coming in simply because those that come in usually do so after being rescued on the high seas. And as you know, we cannot refuse to assist them if they request assistance. Only a small proportion of them manage to reach our shores on their own steam. Giving them another vessel, fuel and supplies to continue on their journey towards Europe would mean breaching half a dozen conventions and treaties, to which Malta is signatory.

Secondly, to send them on to Europe the member states need to agree on burden sharing, which is exactly the point that Malta has been making for the past year or so, and has only now been taken on board by the French Presidency.

Thirdly, to send them back to Libya, you need Libya to agree to taking them back. As you know, this the last thing on Ghaddafi's wish list. He has not given in to similar pressures from Italy and you can rest assured that he will not give in to ours either.

The above points have been repeated ad nauseam...

Denis Catania

Jul 29th 2008, 15:27

@Franco Farrugia Well said.
But I don't understand the Sexual reproductive health of the immigrants. Does this mean teach them how to have more babies? If it does , should we be doing the opposite, since many left babies back at home. If I misunderstood, please someone tell me.

Daphne Caruana Galizia

Jul 29th 2008, 15:26

Franco, your comment displays an unusual naivete. Once they're here, we can't 'help them move on elsewhere', nor can we stop them coming in if that means letting them drown. Forget humanity - as so many people do when commenting on this issue - there is no LEGAL way to stop more immigrants coming in from the sea. As Dr Mifsud Bonnici remarked in this story, we're a civilised country.

john fenech

Jul 29th 2008, 15:26

Dear me, so now the illegal migrants will be assisted to be physically and mentally prepared to further increase their population while on our Island? Come on what we need is for these people to remain in Libya and MFS to give the much needed assistance to the people responsible to achieve this aim. Or else in the very near future we will need psychological treatment!
For democracy to be meaningful France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and all the other countries who colonised the African continent must help these people to help themselves! And at the same time the EU will impose diplomatic pressure on Libya to keep the unemployed immigrants on its territory.
But all this is illegal dreaming since the status quo is the best solution for all concerned, except Malta!
At this rate in five years time there will be plus 6000 illegal immigrants on our Island. So from now the Ministers concerned have to prepare for extra medical beds at the hospital, accommodation units, an increase output from the power stations, new religious habitat, new transport routes and possibly some modification to our constitution!

N.SALIBA

Jul 29th 2008, 15:20

let us hope that they do not interfere with our policy on illegal immigration. the Maltese people has had enough. Not only do we want the incoming flow to be stopped, but We want what we have here OUT as well.

Isaac Zarb

Jul 29th 2008, 15:12

Is this the kind of help we need ?
What We need is a large capacity vessel, and personnel to oversee the shipment back to wherever they came from...

J Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 15:03

Dear Minister you just have signed our death warrant. You have accepted 'the viper' in our midst. Just wait and see before the year us out.

Franco Farrugia

Jul 29th 2008, 14:21

While this agreement is a step in the right direction, more, much more is being requested of the Minister in question. Malta needs to STOP more immigrants coming in, and a humane and legal manner how to assist the immigrants on our shores to go on their way to mainland Europe or elsewhere, or back to where they came from in the nearest possible time.