Sheer folly not to sign EU migration deal, AD says
Alternattiva Demokratika believes it would be "sheer folly" for the government not to sign the EU new Immigration Pact, even though it felt it was "not enough" in resolving the island's problems.
The Green Party disagreed with the political forces that were insisting Malta should not sign the agreement reached on illegal migration and asylum, as agreed upon by all 27 member states.
AD deputy chairman Stephen Cachia said yesterday the party had urged the government to veto any text if it did not make a specific reference to responsibility sharing and to the restrictive effects of the Dublin regulations.
"As a result of the agreement reached, Malta has attained both the mention of responsibility sharing and the possibility to relocate to other EU countries immigrants with asylum status and special protection," Mr Cachia said.
Arnold Cassola, AD chairman, said this was a first step in the right direction. However, burden sharing should be on a permanent and compulsory basis, not voluntary.
"We recognise that this is the first time the principle of responsibility sharing and of relocation, albeit on a voluntary basis, is part of the EU policy. It would be sheer folly for the government not to sign the agreed compromise text, which is certainly an improvement on the previous situation," Prof. Cassola said.
"Malta must continue in its political work to develop this first result into a compulsory one."
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l Galea
Oct 2nd 2008, 17:23
@C Cassar
The Maltese voters have already given them their answer.
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2008, 11:45
I Galea: What smokescreen? AD are just about the only people who are being honest about the treaty. You have to give them credit for being courageous enough to say what they believe even if it makes them unpopular. Pity we don't have more politicians like them.
STEPHEN FARRUGIA
Oct 2nd 2008, 10:02
Let us do what AD says and close down the detention centers. How about giving social services to the whole of Africa and while we are at it, why not post them a cheque at their home address, to pay for their flight to Malta. Anything else Sir !
l Galea
Oct 2nd 2008, 09:12
We know that the AD wanted Malta in the eu, but can they be so lackey as to encourage the signing of a bit of waste paper which will exacerbate OUR ILLEGAL immigrants problem?
No wonder you have practically ceased to exist. The people have seen through your smoke-screen.