Labour leader calls for approval of Dublin II directive amendments

Labour will not be partisan on illegal migration but will work in the national interest, party leader Joseph Muscat said this afternoon.

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps, the Labour leader said the Opposition was not happy with the way Frontex was operating and appealed for more cooperation from Mediterranean countries and solidarity from European ones. Amendments to the Dublin II directive should be approved, he said.

Dr Muscat called on all the involved parties in the Middle East conflict to seek diplomacy and halt hostilities. He condemned all kinds of aggression and expressed regret at the loss of life being experienced by both sides.

“We believe in a two state solution and hope for the formation of a Palestinian government of national unity. We also hope that the moderates win in the Presidential elections in Palestine and Israel,” Dr Muscat said.

He appealed to the government to use its voice in the Council of Ministers and in the European Council for effective measures to be taken in the Middle East. The PL, Dr Muscat said, was committed to work in favour of peace and security in the Mediterranean.