Improvements to AFM promotions system sought

Ways of improving the promotions system at the Armed Forces of Malta to better recognise years of dedicated and loyal service, were being explored, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.

Speaking at Luqa Barracks this evening, where the AFM, which is celebrating its 38th anniversary, had an open day, Dr Gonzi said that such a system would ensure that people who demonstrated their commitment to the AFM were given an opportunity to render an even better service at higher levels.

The Prime Minister also spoke on illegal migration saying that because of this problem, the AFM’s maritime roles have assumed a much wider dimension.

“Apart from becoming the EU’s southernmost maritime border, the illegal immigration phenomenon has been a significant challenge to our country and to the army.

“I cannot thank enough the personnel of the Maritime Squadron who, with dedication and courage, are the first people to meet these challenges face-to-face on a daily basis.

“Their significant contribution in dealing with this human tragedy should make us all proud.

“My Government is committed to address this challenge and thanks to our persistence and efforts on a European level we have managed to concretely lay down the foundations for a common policy on immigration and asylum in the European Union.

“For the first time, through the agreement which was reached between member states, illegal immigration is being treated as a common European problem. Effectively, this means that through the concept of burden sharing, all European countries will deal with the problem and not just the affected countries. Therefore, Malta is definitely in a better position than it originally was,” Dr Gonzi said.

Today was also the 35th anniversary of the presence of the Italian Military Mission in Malta.

Dr Gonzi thanked the Italian government and the Italian mission for their support throughout these years saying that what started off as technical assistance 35 years ago progressed into close collaboration between the two countries now that both were members of the European Union.