Parliament to debate illegal immigration
'Such a debate cannot be delayed any longer'
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday rejected an opposition request to hold an emergency debate on illegal immigration but suggested that such a discussion be held on a date agreed upon between the two sides.
He was reacting to a call by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat that the House suspend its agenda and hold the debate as a matter of urgency and national importance. On the strength of Dr Gonzi's statement, Dr Muscat withdrew his request.
The date of the debate will be decided during the House Business Committee meeting of March 16.
At the beginning of the sitting, Dr Muscat asked whether the government intended to make a ministerial statement on the arrival in Malta of 227 illegal persons in the morning.
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said he did not know whether the government intended to make such a statement but he was ready to convey the opposition's request.
In view of Mr Fenech's reply, Dr Muscat called for the adjournment of the House to discuss the issue which, he said, was urgent and in the public interest. He said that the arrival of 604 illegal immigrants in February alone - amounting to 22 per cent of all the illegal immigrants which arrived in Malta in 2008 - was of grave concern. The situation was a threat to the social fabric; however, one had to be sincere and treat the issue with urgency.
Dr Gonzi replied that it was not the government's intention to make a parliamentary statement because the situation was not different from the circumstance similar to other cases.
He agreed that the arrival of 223 illegal immigrants was one of concern. The indication was that these were Somali nationals but investigations had still to be concluded.
Many of the illegal immigrants who arrived in Malta in the last two weeks came from third world countries. The repatriation process of these immigrants had started. More immigrants had been repatriated than a neighbouring country had boasted of doing two days ago.
Dr Gonzi said both sides of the House were looking at all dimensions of illegal immigration in the same way. Nothing seemed to politically separate both sides on the issue. He said that there was no need to adjourn the House and declared that government and the opposition could agree on a date when to hold a parliamentary debate.
Dr Muscat said that it was a fact that people had the sensation that the government was avoiding discussing the issue which could explode if not tackled immediately in all its aspects. The point was that only in July had the number of illegal immigrants surpassed the number arriving in February.
He said a Labour government would have reacted differently to the issue in the European fora. Not discussing the issue was creating a xenophobic sentiment. He was ready to withdraw his request for the adjournment of the House once both sides arrived at an early date for the debate. He suggested that for the discussion to be free, no vote should be taken.
Accepting that there be no vote at the end of the debate, the Prime Minister said that he agreed on an open and sincere discussion built on human values.
He disagreed that the government had buried the issue, adding that on his return from visits abroad he had always made statements in the House and these included talks on illegal immigration.
Dr Gonzi said he had always maintained that the illegal immigrants were innocent victims of circumstances, which the Maltese had to acknowledge. It was Parliament's duty to make everybody understand that Malta, being a small country, expected solidarity in practice through assistance given as a human right.
He disagreed with Dr Muscat that the government was avoiding the issue. The government had nothing to hide, wanted to face the problem and to arrive at just solutions. The issue had to be addressed from the acknowledgement that the opposition had good intentions on the matter. The real test was whether everyone stood by the values one believed in.
Dr Muscat declared that such a debate could not be delayed any longer. The opposition had managed to make the government budge to discuss the issue.
Dr Gonzi said that only a few weeks before, Interior Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici had invited Dr Muscat and, at a meeting attended by AFM and police officials, had given a him full explanation of the full dimension of the problem. He was informed the meeting was cordial and positive.
When the opposition knew the entire facts, Dr Gonzi said, he could not understand how the opposition had arrived at its conclusions. The government wanted to be constructive and both sides had to convey the message that they were working together on the issue.
In conclusion, Dr Gonzi declared that the real challenge posed by the problem was the challenge to the values of the Maltese. This was a grave problem which was bound to become worse as a result of the global crisis. The parliamentary debate could give a message of the values of the Maltese.
Mr Speaker Louis Galea said that the House Business Committee would decide on the date of the debate when it meets next month.
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Chris Azzopardi
Feb 20th 2009, 09:42
Dr. Gonzi...... Mela l-poplu li ghandek taht idejk tghafsu kemm tiflah... u lil dawn l-immigranti IRREGOLARI, qishom untouchables.
Jekk m'intix kapaci ssolvi din l-issue daqshekk krucjali ghal futur ta pajjizna, halli r-riedni f'idejn haddiehor, mhux l-aqwa li rbahna l-elezzjoni u l-bqija kollox taht it-tapit!!
john fenech
Feb 19th 2009, 21:26
While I have always made my sentiments known about the illegal immigrant’s phenomenon I fail to comprehend what an urgent debate in parliament could solve. The crux...of our appalling problem is the dear colonel.
If Dr. Muscat through the said excellent relations with the JAMAHIRIYA could some how persuade our dear friend Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi to accept back his uninvited guest, the leader of the opposition will accomplish what the governments of Malta, Italy, Greece and Cyprus have so far been unable to achieve!! And we will be eternal grateful.
While charity starts at home I am sure the other Nations will be more than grateful to the ex MEP of the EU!
Corey Attard
Feb 19th 2009, 20:13
Gonzi, you know it's a problem with these illegal emmigrants,why don't you do something about it,the public can't do anything,you sworn in front of the public to do the right thing for the public,so now the country have a big problem, you have to act like a prime minister,Dr Gonzi.
Michelle Dali
Feb 19th 2009, 19:23
'The date of the debate will be decided during the House Business Committee meeting of March 16.'
Shame on you Prime Minister! Imagine rejecting a request to hold an emergency debate on illegal immigration at a time like this!
You feel sorry for these criminals invading our country and yet you treat your own countrymen and women who voted you into power with complete disdain. You ignore our pleas for action! You care not for the extreme trauma we are suffering as a result of this invasion! You treat us with complete contempt!
WE are the victims of organised crime on a massive scale and you continue to insult our intelligence by speaking of THEM as being innocent victims of circumstance! How idiotic can you be? Didn't you see their chums waiting for them on the quay? Blatently laughing at us in our faces, knowing that THE PRIME MINISTER OF MALTA is a coward and will do nothing to PROTECT MALTA FROM THIS ILLEGAL INVASION!
louise vella
Feb 19th 2009, 18:31
I have copied below extracts from Gonzi speech to Parliament yesterday (reported above). The background is that hundreds of illegal immigrants have already arrived and we have had violent disturbances at the detention centres every week, with the intervention of the Armed Forces and the police. And Gonzi speaks like some representative of JRS or UNHCR. Read on.
“Dr Gonzi replied that … the situation was not different from the circumstance similar to other cases… Dr Gonzi said both sides of the House were looking at all dimensions of illegal immigration in the same way… the Prime Minister said that he agreed on an open and sincere discussion built on human values… Dr Gonzi said he had always maintained that the illegal immigrants were innocent victims of circumstances, which the Maltese had to acknowledge… The real test was whether everyone stood by the values one believed in…Dr Gonzi declared that the real challenge posed by the problem was the challenge to the values of the Maltese. This was a grave problem which was bound to become worse as a result of the global crisis. The parliamentary debate could give a message of the values of the Maltese.
AnnMarie Pawley
Feb 19th 2009, 17:45
Does our PM have the guts to call another election?
J.Spiteri
Feb 19th 2009, 17:12
Well, well,well, how about that, at last DR Muscat wakes up to the problem we are getting into, shame on you that you didn't react over a year ago (remember).
But still, I am hopeful for you. Shame you are always late with you attacks ie dawl u l-ilma and now with immigration.
Or is it because the local elections are near
Mike Magri
Feb 19th 2009, 16:49
HEY GUYS... YOU KNOW WHAT...!!??!!??
THIS GonziPN Government has turned itself, as a `Master Rejections` government...
NO MATER WHAT THE SUBJECT IS there is always a nicey, nicey excuse.....!!
Joseph Cauchi
Feb 19th 2009, 16:03
Part 2
Do you think that the Maltese want to hear the above? We have been hearing the above for the past years and still the situation is getting worse day by day.
Are our parliamentarians going to discuss the impact these influxes of illegal immigrants is having in our society vis-à-vis the TOURIST industry especially, where thousands of jobs are at stake!
Malta wants action and not talk, talk and more talk.
We have to stop the talk and WALK THE WALK!
Joseph Cauchi
Feb 19th 2009, 16:01
Part 1
Illegal Immigration:
Great! So, this topic is going to be debated in Parliament. Then what?
We all know what’s going to be said and acknowledged by both sides of the House.
That
1) Malta is committed by international conventions and has to adhere to them;
2) the burden-sharing agreement is on course;
3) repatriation is on-going at Euro 5000 each for each immigrant entered illegally in our country;
4) our armed forces and police are coping with the situation
5) co-operation is forthcoming from some local NGOs ;
6) Malta is adhering to its Christian principles and
7) a new organization is set up to help the integration of these illegal immigrants into our society.
Also, it would be stressed that Malta has to accept the concept of MULTI-CULTURALISM and help integrate these illegal immigrants into our society!
.
./continued
David Seychell
Feb 19th 2009, 15:19
Sounds like it's gimmicks time.
maria cutajar
Feb 19th 2009, 14:21
Please, Musat and Gonzi go over your MALTESE HISTORY. Study it well and abide to it.
malcolm azzopardi
Feb 19th 2009, 14:15
i don't agree with dr gonzi that the immigrants are innocent victims.... because if they are able to raise about Lm1000 to make the trip, they are able to lead a comfotable life in Africa where with Lm30 you can feed a familt of 5 for a whole month!!!!
The innocent ones are stuck in Africa!!!!
dusty william
Feb 19th 2009, 13:29
Its his new style of doing politics, remember!
louise vella
Feb 19th 2009, 13:03
The Gonzi/Muscat exchange and ‘in-nies’:
(1) Rudolph Cini said (Radio 101, 17/02/2009, 5/6 pm): “Meta naghmel il-home visits l-aktar haga li qed tippreokkupa lin-NIES hi l-immigrazzjoni illegali”. The people’s voice rises to PN/PL leaders through home visits and opinion surveys.
(2) Gonzi knows ‘in-nies’ have become acutely alarmed, illegal immigrants becoming their top worry. Gonzi knows over 90% of ‘in-nies’ are negative towards illegal immigrants, and increasing numbers downright hostile. Illegal immigration on a massive and growing scale is obviously against the national interest (social, security, health, economy), ie, the interests of ‘in-nies’.
(3) Gonzi emphasizes repatriation, whose success is limited, and burden-sharing, whose results can only be marginal. Cini said: “Irridu nenfazizzaw il-burden-sharing… Jekk nigi elett bi hsiebni nenfazizza l-burden-sharing". This shows Gonzi does not want to stop the problem at its source, by preventing illegal immigrant arrivals in Malta.
(3) Gonzi’s sermons put him in the same category as JRS/UNHCR, which represent a small minority of ‘in-nies’. The point now is: How long can Gonzi, as Prime Minster, continue to ignore the voice and interests of ‘in-nies’ to pursue his private values? Muscat is seeing reason. Who will make Gonzi see reason? When?
Anthony Briffa
Feb 19th 2009, 12:24
I agree with one an all that the debate needs to take place as a matter of urgency. This is a very serious and tricky situation. However, In order that the debate will be fruitful, first and foremost the PL has to prove that it is not trying to obtain political mileage out of the misery of these illegal immigrants, secondly the speeches should not serve as an opportunity to simply attack the government, thirdly concrete suggestions have to be put forward by both sides of the house especially by the PL - it is not enough saying that a Labour Government would have had a different approach on the matter with the EU, and finally the debate should also deal with the source of the problem and condemn whoever has to be condemned without reservations. Only then we would know how genuine the PL is on this matter.
Mar Dar
Feb 19th 2009, 12:22
Prosit hafna ......... ghax ma tmurx tilqahom ukoll fil-kaz mur bil banda u toqodx torganizza privates u coaches biex tiehu lin-nies iccapcpu ghax spettaturi min Hal Far kien hemm Birzebbugia jistennuhom.
Gharukaza
mario mifsud
Feb 19th 2009, 12:13
Gonzi mur orqod u ahbi rasek taht ir-ramel jekk trid taghmel hekk
imma twaqqafx lil min irid jaghti kas
ISTHI jekk taf kif u warrab jekk bla sinsla
Brian Maloret
Feb 19th 2009, 11:52
Like most Governments who don't know what to do about a particular problem that they have no direct control over but which affects their citizens, the Maltese Government will debate about having a debate and when they do eventually have the debate no action will be taken following the debate. This is a EU problem and it is the EU that should be offering Malta all the help needed in dealing with this massive problem facing the country.
malcolm azzopardi
Feb 19th 2009, 11:41
this is our most URGENT PROBLEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
edward bartolo
Feb 19th 2009, 11:28
As a nation, we have the right to defend our territory and resources.
Apparently, the EU and UN do not agree with that! This is making many believe that, the EU and UN, are run by Utopian idealists, who have long lost their contact with reality.
Malta needs to be given back its right to defend its territory and resources.
Joanne Micallef
Feb 19th 2009, 10:55
From what I read I deduct that Dr Gonzi is willing to keep accepting all the illegal immigrants that make it to our shores no matter what.
Before any international obligations National interest should always come first, Dr Gonzi has pledged his loyalty to this country and it's citizens, but it seems that his loyalties lie elsewhere.
It is very clear that he should RESIGN
d. borg
Feb 19th 2009, 10:50
If the invasion of your country is not important for you, then you should resign immediately Dr Gonzi. You should listen to the messages the Maltese are sending you and act accordingly. Can't you see that we're losing control of the whole situation, do something before it's too late for your country.
e.cortis
Feb 19th 2009, 10:29
Unless we play tough, we'll just be trodden over by one and all.We had a chance in the EU to put down our feet. Alas we were full of self-praise for signing a piece of paper that practically left us in the cold !!. Can anyone inform us how many illegal immigrants have been transferred to our European comrades , as per documnet signed ?.. So much for solidarity. I invite readers to refer to the EUobserver site and follow what is happening in other European nations. Can't we emulate Spain and Italy ?. Or because they are European Giants they can do what they want ,and since we are midgets believing ourselves to be a Giant, everyone treats us as midgets deserve to be treated ?. Please refer to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees. Article 44 clearly states:
"Any contracting state may denounce this convention at any time by a notification to the Secretary General of the United Nations. Such Denunciation shall take effect for the contrascting State concerned one year from the date upon which it is received by the Sec.Gen. of the U.N."
If nobody is going to listen to our pleas, let's take action.....and fast..
C. Azzopardi
Feb 19th 2009, 10:04
SHAME ON YOU DR. GONZI. This matter is forefront in the Maltese citizen's worries yet you refuse to address the problem. You should be made to resign. I have always had absolute confidence in the Nationalist Party but my vote will definitely be going elsewhere!
deb bugeja
Feb 19th 2009, 10:01
Sandro Pace
Our government seems to be taking tough measures with his own people, such increasing electricity and water tariffs, car licenses, taxes taxes taxes
Joe Gatt
Feb 19th 2009, 09:50
It seems that the matter is so urgent that in a month's time our great leaders will debate on when to hold a debate! Of course, when the debate is eventually held, there will be no vote at the end. Merely political posturing!
Our politicians continue to insult the intelligence of the Maltese electorate, which made them what they are -- and whose interests they persist in ignoring.
Muscat pretends to be concerned, yet accepts the delay. After all, as Gonzi said, ' Nothing seemed to politically seperate both sides on the issue'. Gonzi as usual takes the side of the invaders, not of his fellow Maltese, who elected him to be their Prime Minister.
And in the meantime the invasion accelerates. 2008 was a record year, yet in the first half of February alone, almost a quarter as many illegals arrived as in the whole of last year. If the trend continues, we could get more than 10,000 illegals this year.
However, we shouldn't be worried. After all our Prime Minister assures us that 'the situation was not different'. He still hopes for solidarity from other countries and will doubtless regale us with more 'statements in the House'.
James Cacciotolo
Feb 19th 2009, 09:18
Resign Dr Gonzi, Resign!!! He does not care about Maltese and Malta,otherwise he will treat this issue as a matter of urgency like Dr Muscat said! I am PN and I don't beleive Malta has got a future under Dr Gonzi's "par idejn sodi" REPATRIATE THEM ALL AND GONZI RESIGN!!!! This is all organized crime!!
lgalea
Feb 19th 2009, 09:00
We do not want more debates and useless PAROLI.
You are constantly and consistently betraying Malta and the Maltese citizens Gonezipn.
You are defending the illegal immigrants instead of the Maltese citizens who are the rightful residents of Malta.
The illegal immigrants have absolutely NO right to be here.
This is OUR country not theirs.
We want the expulsion of ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS forthwith Gonezipn.
Either expel them ALL or RESIGN Mr pair of string hands.
You proved yourself to be totally INCOMPETENT to govern.
Sandro Pace
Feb 19th 2009, 08:47
The way the prime minister is talking, doesnt give a hint of any toughening up to this problem or pose conditions to the EU. He is so cut off from reality. The fact that illegals are victims of circumstances, is at this stage immaterial to the Maltese people. The EU does not want to understand solidarity.
About 1000, in two wintery months, and the prime doesnt see any abnormal? He lost reality.