Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Italian minister sets May 15 for start of Italy-Libya patrols
The problem of illegal immigrants reaching Malta from Libya could be resolved come May 15 if a declaration made by Italian Home Affairs Minister Roberto Maroni comes to fruition.
Reacting to another "invasion" of immigrants in Sicily, Mr Maroni said leaving Libya would become extremely hard come May 15, when the agreement on joint patrols by Italian and Libyan personnel of the Libyan 2,000-kilometre coastline enters into force.
"We should be able to completely stop the flow of illegal immigrants from Libya to Lampedusa and Sicily from May 15 when the joint patrols are scheduled to start. I expect that, from this day onwards, the Libyan immigration corridor will be closed," Mr Maroni insisted.
Over 400 illegal immigrants reached Portopalo and Pozzallo in Sicily yesterday on two 20-metre boats, which departed from Libya.
According to the daily newspaper Il Messaggero, a Somali citizen, considered to be the brains behind yesterday's illegal operation, was arrested and will be charged with human trafficking.
Mr Maroni said that, following talks with the Libyan government, six Italian patrol boats with Italian and Libyan personnel on board would start patrolling Libya's coasts from inside its territorial waters to ensure no illegal immigrants left the North African country.
"I am very confident Libya will keep its word and will help us stop illegal immigrants from reaching our coasts," Mr Maroni was reported saying.
Originally, the Italy-Libya patrols had to start earlier in the year but they were postponed due to "technical problems".
Malta is looking forward to seeing these operations come into effect and has even offered to participate through its Armed Forces.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici prefers to "wait and see" before commenting on the effects such patrols would have on Malta's immigration problem.
Almost all the illegal immigrants reaching Malta's shores depart from Libya with the intention of reaching Italy. Bad weather or technical problems during the crossing result in some of the boats ending up in Malta.
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stephen farrugia
Apr 1st 2009, 00:17
I believe all of you, just in time for the MEP elections !
leonardo vince
Mar 31st 2009, 17:04
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici prefers to "wait and see" !!!!!!!!!!!
He cannot do otherwise.... we are not in the loop.... we are eu members of convenience...and more so when foreigners hear that PN Government would never use its relative strength i.e. its veto.
Does this not make you feel uncomforable of being maltese under the present regime?
Alexander Morana
Mar 31st 2009, 15:47
Paul Caruana they will react (Libya) after what has happen yesterday - 300 bodies washing up on their shores.
lgalea
Mar 31st 2009, 15:10
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090331/twl-hundreds-feared-drowned-off-libya-41f21e0.html
Hundreds feared drowned off Libya
1 hour 56 mins ago
More than 300 African migrants are feared to have drowned after their boats capsized off the coast of Libya.
At least 23 bodies of drowned migrants were recovered by Libyan coastguards near the wreckage of three rickety boats which had set off from the coastal village of Sidi Belal, near Tripoli, on the way to Italy.
A fourth ship crammed with more than 350 migrants broke down near Libya's offshore Buri oilfield, but was rescued by Libyan coastguards.
"Up to three boats appear to have sunk off the Libyan coast. These boats have no life-saving material on board. It would seem that more than 300 people have disappeared at sea," a spokesman for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said
PATROLS SHOULD START NOW.
v.pulis
Mar 31st 2009, 11:58
"I am very confident Libya will keep its word and will help us stop illegal immigrants from reaching our coasts," Mr Maroni was reported saying.
How do you say "Don't hold your breath in Italian?!"
Joanne Micallef
Mar 31st 2009, 11:01
Guess we'll just have to wait and see, if and how, these patrols will effect Malta.
Paul Caruana
Mar 31st 2009, 10:50
Well let us keep our fingers crossed that Libya will keep its word, come May 15th. This should be Libya's last chance to prove that it is a trustworthy partner in its growing relationship with the EU.
If, once again, the Libyans do not live up to their word, then the EU must be ready to initiate economic sanctions.