The Labour Party will not publicise its stand on illegal immigration before the issue is debated in Parliament, The Times has learned.

According to sources close to the party, the PL will only make its position known during the upcoming parliamentary debate.

Despite its criticism on the way the authorities are tackling the situation, the PL would not answer questions by The Times on the party's proposals and how it would address the problem.

Only last week, Labour leader Joseph Muscat called on Parliament to suspend business and hold an emergency debate on illegal immigration, which, he said, could explode if not tackled immediately in all aspects.

Although Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi rejected the request to hold an emergency debate, he suggested a discussion should be held on a date agreed upon by the two sides.

Dr Muscat said a Labour government would have reacted differently to the issue in the European fora and added that not debating the issue was provoking a xenophobic sentiment.

However, when asked to plainly explain its proposals, the party would only say that a parliamentary group meeting would be held in the coming weeks, on the suggestion of Dr Muscat, to discuss the crisis, the way the government was dealing with it and alternative strategies.

During the meeting, Labour said it would also be reviewing its position in the wake of the latest developments.

A record number of immigrants reached Malta this month. A staggering 262 migrants arrived on February 1 and another 227 last Wednesday.

"Labour will be exploring all options," the spokesman said, adding that to date the PL had backed the government on immigration, especially in international fora.

The meeting will be held in Marsa and the mayors of Marsa, Kirkop and Birżebbuġa have been invited to attend. Safi Labour councillors are also invited.

"This is an internal party meeting and not a national one," a party spokesman said when asked why Safi Nationalist mayor Pietru Pawl Busuttil was not invited once the mayors of the other two localities were.

The spokesman said Labour MEPs and MEP candidates, as well as people working in the immigration sector, would be invited.

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