Brussels asks Malta about March Safi incidents

Mr Edric Micallef Figallo

Apr 18th 2011, 15:10

Giusto Catania? I question his version of the facts, or at least I don't trust him one single bit. One might as well state his political affiliation besides stating that he is an "Italian MEP". This MEP hails from Rifondazione Comunista and is a member of the extreme-leftist grouping in the European Parliament. One wonders who is giving him the news from Malta and with what spin. Nice to see that communists are now against required detention centres, when before they enjoyed gulags and other niceties with which our detention centres do not compare. This is not the first time he hits out at Malta. As far as I'm concerned anyone proclaiming himself a communist in this day and age loses all credibility, especially when notions of rights are concerned.

M.Mercieca

Aug 15th 2008, 13:31

Mr. Sandro Pace,
If you don’t mind I will answer your points from bottom to top.
• Everybody has the right to talk, however this right is not absolute as many peoples may think.
• The EU with or without Malta will grow. The European Union project is itself a triumph over barbarism wars, racism and all forms of discrimination Europe suffered for decades
• We have been complaining. Any result? On the contrary, get slammed from both the EU and human rights organizations.
• True, no politician talks about surveys. But human rights watchdog does. Do you remember the AI report of last June?
• Are you ignoring the long history of war because of racism among European citizens ? Do you expect the EU to keep silence about racism?
• Shall we also forget racism in Malta among fellow Maltese brothers and sisters?

Certainly, I am not a 'thought' police. But again, I understand about the population deficit that threat the ageing population in Europe. (please read about this sad fact)
Please calm down. Have a cold ‘Caqnu beer’ and you will see things differently. :-)

Sandro Pace

Aug 15th 2008, 09:53

@Mr. M. Mercieca

People have the right to express themselves how they like viz. foreigners and immigrants (legal and illegal). Are you the 'thought' police? That survey you continously hamper upon was done when this illegal invasion started. It would have given the same result in Greece, the Spanish islands or Lampedusa.

Your logic is warped - "Malta has a problem with overwhelming illegal immigrants, but we should not help the Maltese because 90% expressed themselves how they did on immigrants, so lets give them a lesson etc. etc.". That is what I gather from your posts.

Have you ever heard EU politicians in executive positions mentioning your survey to our politicians?

Do you think up there they are as fussy on sentiments expressed about immigrants?

Can you make a simple political seperation in your mind between the State, the country and society?

Have you ever heard that even African illegal immigrants are racists among themselves, and even with us?

And you want to teach us 'How they do politics in Brussels'.

The EU may be indifferent, but that is not going to WORK forever.
Nobody is going to shut us up.

M.Mercieca

Aug 15th 2008, 02:13

@ apgrech
Okay, Its not racism. Can you please refer to my post (here under) and tell me how should I understand the result of such survey? Thanks

Do immigrants legal status has any thing to do with hosting country culture? If it does, enlighten me how please. Thank you

M.Muscat

Aug 15th 2008, 01:08

Attn.Mr.Daley
Sorry for being late in replying to your comment. I happened to be out for drinks with 2 African friends and came in late. By the way you got me there but it takes more than that to shut me up because I am an open minded person and enjoy freedom of speech. I t is not my intention to be draged into politics but if you want we can go on a separate blog and chat till death do us part promising you a hard time in a friendly way.

For me it is immaterial whether these immigrants are red, black, white, or blue but it is a fact that they are slowly invading our island and that all those who are responsible are shirking responsibility. These include the government, the opposition, the church, unions , the media etc. At some time or other all these are going to feel the pinch but by then the bird would have flown out of the cage and it would be too late in the day to repair the damage done. I appeal to people like you to offer constructive criticism so as to perhaps drive our point home.
Good luck.

M. Mercieca

Aug 14th 2008, 23:55

@ Joanne Micallef

I have read something you may laugh or cry at ...lol
I quote:
None of the 27 prime ministers have read what they signed on 13 December 2007 in Lisbon. The Irish Prime Minister admitted in Ireland before the referendum that he had not read it, but he was certainly not alone. Not one of them read it before signing. I doubt if any of them read it afterwards.

---------
Back to EU.
In Malta case it true, 50 + of the Maltese population voted to join the EU, but apparently 90 + of the Maltese still yet to be more familiar with the whole thing about EU. In doubt? Just ask a group of university students what are the EU member states and you will hear surprises! (Once a student told me that NATO is an EU member state!!).
The future dose not look bright indeed!

Joe Morana

Aug 14th 2008, 23:04

People, here are a few facts that we all need to reflect upon:
- First and foremost, stop looking to and expecting help on illegal immigration from the E.U.
- Our Government's credibility has been seriously eroded with the Maltese people.
- This issue of illegal immigration (to Malta) is for the Maltese and the Maltese alone to resolve; nobody, least of all our EU partners wants them!
-How dare Mr. Catania insinuate that detention centers should be abolished! Whatever accomodation his compatriots can provide will suit Malta just fine!.
-As often as there are illegal immigrant landings in Malta (now twice daily x a 28 person average), there are complaints and comments in this newspaper, similar to what we read below. Yyet no Government statement telling the Maltese not to worry, "that things will be alright!" has been forthcoming.
-What to do? What to do? Mr Zarb of the GWU said it best: "Next stop, Castille!" Maybe it's time Maltese, who see illegal immigration as a genuine threat, should start by flooding Castille with letters voicing their concerns. What is there to lose? We have all been branded racists anyway!

apgrech

Aug 14th 2008, 22:04

Many are claiming "racism" - no, it isn't racism. We simply do not want any illegal immigrants whether they are black, white, yellow or red. A few would not harm but the many illegals that are arriving are causing lots of damage and confusion. We are too small to accomodate so many.

Also, culturally, it is not healthy to accept a huge number of foreigners which will throw the whole cultural system off balance.

To me, an illegal is an illegal and we cannot accept them as we would accept legal immigrants.

Joanne Micallef

Aug 14th 2008, 21:50

@ John S.G - I bet 3/4 of the Maltese have no idea what our Goverment has signed us up for, when in just one afternoon, our Parlament has unanimously agreed to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. Unfortunately many just think of the few perks we get as a member state, without bothering to research what those few perks are costing us. A nation’s freedom and sovranity are priceless, with all that is going on re our illegal immigration crises, it is very clear to all who is calling the shots for us. Unfortunately like you have highlighted this is only the tip of the iceberg.

John Spiteri Gingell

Aug 14th 2008, 21:35

@ Mr. Zammit. yes the EUSSR alludes itself as the United States Of Europe. This is a another attempt to disguise its real nature by trying to associate itself with the United States, but the devil is in the detail. The US, the pinnacle of democracy with incredible constitutional powers that protect its citizens - all in a constitution that is only 16 A4 pages long. The EU: unelected commisioners that meet and decide in secret with no minutes. an EU parliament that has no right to propose or obstruct and laws and where every MEP gets a say of an average of 1 minute YES 1 MINUTE. . a bureaucracy that rules by regulation and through the unaccountable European Court as opposed to democratic fiat. An institution which never takes a democratic no for an answer and a constitution thicker than the bible that ts citizens cannot understand. A cabon copy of the USSR. As with regards to AN and ANR - they warned about the inevitable, the Maltese Public decided otherwise - now we reap the fruit.

Victor Zammit

Aug 14th 2008, 21:08

The hardest thing to do in politics is to create interest in your party.
Thank to illegal immigrants, they proved this right.
"Creating fear of the Roma, and then selling yourself as the best person to handle them, has been an effective way for Italian politicians to mobilize voters." However, it’s still too early to celebrate!
Same thing happening in Malta by ANR. AN, and Mr. Norma Lowell.
After their failures in the election, now we have them on line


@John Spiteri Gingell
To may knowledge, the federal European States is something like, the United States of Europe? Is this right please?

John Spiteri Gingell

Aug 14th 2008, 20:54

For everyone's information:

Resolution 1605 of the Council of Europe

Council of Europe member states should continue to be vigilant in their work to prevent and combat the phenomenon of Islamophobia.

9. In light of the above, the Assembly calls on the member states of the Council of Europe to:

9.1. act strongly against discrimination in all areas;

9.2. condemn and combat Islamophobia;

9.7.6. encouraging the participation of people with an immigrant background in political parties-trade unions and non-governmental organisations;

9.7.7. taking all the necessary measures to eliminate the inequality of opportunity faced by immigrants, including unemployment-and inadequate education;

9.7.8. removing unnecessary legal-or administrative obstacles to the construction of a sufficient number of appropriate places of worship for the practice of Islam;

9.7.9. ensuring that school textbooks do-not portray Islam as a hostile or threatening religion;

11.6. encourage young European-Muslims to become imams;

11.8. encourage the promotion of fair-coverage of Muslim reality and views in the media and ensure that the voice of moderate Muslims is also reported;

11.9. develop ethical-guidelines to combat Islamophobia in-the media and in-favour of cultural tolerance-and understanding, in co-operation with appropriate media organisations;

John Spiteri Gingell

Aug 14th 2008, 20:39

Just wait till the lisbon treaty kicks in - and the likes of Mr. catania will not only dictate, they will ENFORCE. your government has transferred our sovereignty lock stock and the whole damned barrel. some of us thought that ireland had spared us the worst but as the colleagues of Mr. Catania have made amply clear - nothing will stop the creation of the federal state - the EUSSR.

Wake up Malta, take your politicians, those who have SWORN to SERVE you - to task. otherwise, prepare your bags and seek countries which still value their own freedoms and culture such as the US and Australia. what make you thinks that the multicultis in Europe are going to come to your aid? this invasion of Europe is useful to them - it is the primary tool to dissolve the european peoples allegiance to their nation states.

guze xerri

Aug 14th 2008, 17:42

Malta will be housing these illegal immigrants in old stone quarries fairly soon.

M.Mercieca

Aug 14th 2008, 17:10

@ a.cassar

Sorry sir/madam

If you dont like what i say...simply ignore it. You can also trash it.
But just for your information.....what Ia m saying is what the EU /Malta are heading for.
You have all right to blame-shout-strike-comment as much as you want and do whatever you want. But what the EU want from Malta MUST WORK.

By the way, the EU also knows how to tame 'racist' peoples.

K Xuereb

Aug 14th 2008, 15:54

How about Malta asking Brussels (yet again) how are they going to help us cope with this invasion.

Yes, dear bleeding hearts, you read right - invasion.

Don't really care that this term puts you into paroxysms. Now bring on the old 'racist' chestnut.

Alexander Morana

Aug 14th 2008, 15:31

Maybe this MEP, should say that to the Russians. Follow George Bush's phrase -why they used excessive force against the Georgians! LOL

A Daley

Aug 14th 2008, 14:51

Dear M Muscat, this is what your party signed for.

Thank you for confirming, that even you have been taken for a ride and a very expensive one at that too.

Now put up, and shut up, and roll your sleeves to fork out more in taxes to feed what EFA signed for!

Enjoy the scenery as it unfolds in front of you!

DVella

Aug 14th 2008, 13:59

Mister Catania would be better served investigating the presence of scores of bare-chested african women, some barely of legal age, offering prostitution services along his own country's Autostradas . . . and those of his own countrymen who are availing themselves of the said services, not to mention the total lack of any action by the authorities!

Enough said!

Joanne Micallef

Aug 14th 2008, 13:44

I personally am against violence in general, but I can understand the frame of mind in such a situation, especially since everyone knows that our authorities are outnumbered by far by the illegal immigrants.

Considering what goes on outside certain football stadiums in Italy after certain games are played, Mr Catania should very well understand that race had nothing to do with what went on in Safi that day. Anyway guess any reason is good for certain individuals to keep pressing for the closer of our detention centre, as by doing so they would create a precedent for the whole of the EU.

Let us wait and see how our Government will respond.

Hamish Dempster

Aug 14th 2008, 13:29

How very un pariotic can Mr Catania be. Instead of warming up his seat in the european sessions, he should do his best and utmost to make the europeans understand the problem and make them finad a solution , since our MP s are not capable of doing so.

louise vella

Aug 14th 2008, 13:28

What party does Giusto Catania belong to? The Italians call "catto-comunisti" that hybrid mixture between a Catholic do-gooder and a left-wing Communist. Catania should know that most illegal immigrants want to go to Italy (not Malta); that Italy and most EU countries have detention centres for illegal immigrants, too; and that law and order have to be maintained in detention centres. The Maltese would thank Catania if he were to take the 13 protesting illegal immigrants to Italy where they will live happily ever after.

Ivan Attard

Aug 14th 2008, 13:12

To abolish racism from Malta there is only ONE solution. That our inept authorities stand up for what the vast majority of Maltese demand and send back ALL illegal immigrants home or to Europe's doorstep. Then Mr. Catania can settle down to accommodate and pamper these hordes with the European standards of welcome and integration that he sees missing here. Racism, Mr Mercieca is not the word to use in our case but it should be concern for what we are about to be dragged through screaming. It is the practical reality that we can, under no guise of compassion, accept this invasion any longer.

Pierre Agius

Aug 14th 2008, 13:07

Thank you Europe for your solidarity! Thank you for shouldering us in our hour on need! Thank you for assisting us when we needed you! And yet you wonder Europe why Ireland voted no to the Lisbon Treaty! We would do the same if you give us the chance. Europe failed to prove itself on this issue.

a.cassar

Aug 14th 2008, 13:05

Mr. Catania Illegal Immigants have rights. How about Legal Maltese in their own country? do we have a right to be protected?
@ M.Mercieca. Racism in malta will continue to grow. I for one do not care if I'm called a racist if that means speaking up for Malta. I'd rather be called a racist than a traitor and an ostrich. If you prefer to accept the situation that's your business but don't expect to come and preach about human rights when you are forfeiting yours.

M.Muscat

Aug 14th 2008, 12:40

What a cheek MEP Mr.Catania must have. Now -from some plushy, luxurious villa in Brussels- he choses to taint our police and army of ill treating immigrants. He must have been a long time out of Italy to see how some of these poor fellows are treated. Some are lost and never found, others are forced to live in extreme poverty, some are placed in detention centers much worse than ours, others forced into prostitution, for them the law is much stricter that that applied to the Italians etc. etc.

What Mr.Catania should conscientiously do, is to perform his duty as an MEP and help to find a realistic solution to this problem. Roll up his sleeve and promote burden sharing. Beef up the funny Frontex operation and stop Italian vessels from bringing over the immigrants to Malta and instead take them to Italy where, according to him, they will lead a better life. Shake up his friends the MEP,s to help and really care and proof their mettle in such an unfortunate situation.

Ah! but sweet talking is much more easy to profess than true honest action.

Come on Mr.Catania, remember you are an MEP - act accordingly.

M.Mercieca

Aug 14th 2008, 12:22

@ M. Tabone
Sorry sir, I am sad to say it , racism is living and kicking in Malta
Survey carried out by Mr. Mario Vassallo on 14-8-2005 shows:
An overwhelming 97.3% of the Maltese said that nobody had the right to come and settle in Malta, (here we are talking about illegal and legal peoples).
In the case of other races, rejection is much stronger. Palestinians and Arabs in general were unwelcome by 95.3% and 93.7% of the Maltese respectively, with Africans (90%) and Jews (89%) faring only slightly better.
The same level of intolerance was shown to persons belonging to different religions: 79.3% would not give asylum to Muslims, and 76.7% would refuse it to Jews. There was a similar degree of objection to atheists (78%), while there was a somewhat lower level of rejection of asylum - at 67.3% - to Christians.
Are we still Catholic? Wasn’t Jesus born in Palestine?

@ A Daley
You are right 100%

By that time, we wanted to feel more European. (Inferiority complex)

M. Tabone

Aug 14th 2008, 11:41

Racism has nothing to do about it. Its a plea from the smallest MS who is asking for help and the EU is just shutting all doors and windows...........or very diplomatically keep silent! What do you do when the numbers soar up to 20, 000 and may be more.............host them in your home?

A Daley

Aug 14th 2008, 11:23

@M Tabone - EUROPE STOP ACCUSING MALTA FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE DO WITH RESPECT TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

M Tabone, why not ask EFA what he was signing for when he put his signature on the dotted line.

That was the time to negotiate, but , no no no, he just swallowed it without even tasting it!

Now put up and shut up!

M. Mercieca

Aug 14th 2008, 10:58

Observing human rights is number one priority in the EU.

Racism first, must be abolished from Malta at any cost. This is what counts for the EU.
If we think by complaining the way we are doing could solve anything, please think again.

M. Tabone

Aug 14th 2008, 10:42

Instead to continue harming Malta's image with the European Institutions and treatening our national security with their non sense speaches certain MEPs should better try to convince other MEPs to take on board at EU level the burden sharing of decakred refugees proposed by Malta and the the economic clandestines sending back to Africa by force. EUROPE STOP ACCUSING MALTA FOR EVERYTHING THAT WE DO WITH RESPECT TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

Do you understand that all these illegal immigrants are badly affecting our GDP, do you understand that such a micro country cannot cope with the influxes, do you know that we dedicate almost all our Army for illegal immigrants. What do you pretend to roll them the red carpet after some were involved in violent incidents!!!!.............DEAR GOV WAKE UP AND SPEAK OUT FIRMLY AGAINST THESE ACCUSATIONS BECAUSE YOU ARE REPRESENTING US MALTESE!

R. Bartolo

Aug 14th 2008, 10:12

Brussels...
you are so quick in giving us judgement,
but so slow in giving us help.